Art Contest

Submissions that do not meet all requirements may be disqualified.

NOTE: the image, likeness and direct quotes of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are copyrighted and should not be included in the submitted artwork.

• Artwork should focus on the 2026 theme – Artwork created for other lessons/purposes will not be judged.
• Contest is open to current Bexar County residents, ages 18 years and under as of the contest deadline.
• Any traditional two-dimensional artistic media (painting, watercolor, photography, computer graphics, color pencil, etc.) is acceptable.
• A.I. artwork and copyright images will not be accepted.
• No text or lettering may be used in the composition.
• All submissions must be original artworks created specifically for this contest.
• One individual student artist per entry, no collaborations or group works.
• Only one entry per student.
• Artists should not sign artwork or identify themselves on the art piece.

• Panel of judges will include a representative from: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission 
  • City Council District 2 
  • San Antonio Arts Commission 
  • City of San Antonio’s Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility 
  • City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture
• Judging will be based on use of 2027 theme, artistic imagery, creativity, and originality. 
• By entering this competition, entrants permit the City of San Antonio full ownership of the entry for marketing and other promotional uses specific to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. March and Commemorate events. Uses include, but are not limited to:
  • Inclusion in social media posts 
  • Inclusion on City of San Antonio webpages 
  • Printed materials
  • Media communications
• The City of San Antonio will retain ownership and full copyright of the winning artwork and its reproductions. The City of San Antonio may alter original artwork to adapt to various promotional needs. 
• Selected artist will be notified individually and announced publicly by the City of San Antonio. 

NOTE: Dates are subject to change

• Aug. 24, 2026: Contest window opens 
• Oct. 9, 2026: Deadline for Submissions (4:30 p.m. CST) 
• Oct. 20, 2026: Notification of winner 
• Monday, Jan. 18, 2027: March & Commemorative Events