Calling Young Artists: MLK Youth Art Contest
Published on August 28, 2025
Selected works will be featured throughout San Antonio’s 2026 Commemoration.
SAN ANTONIO (August 28, 2025) – San Antonio Youth are invited to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) by participating in the 11th Annual MLK Youth Art Contest.The City of San Antonio’s MLK Commission, in partnership with the Department of Arts & Culture, City Council District 2, and the Compliance, Opportunity & Access Department, has officially opened the contest. Today, August 28, is the anniversary of Dr. King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech given on the steps on the Lincoln Memorial in 1963. This year’s contest encourages young artists to create original works inspired by the 2026 community-selected theme: “Diversity Unites Us: Love Leads Us & Action Propels Us!”
The deadline for entries is Thursday, October 9, at 4:30 p.m. Open to Bexar County residents ages 18 and under, the contest offers youth the chance to have their artwork featured on official marketing materials for the 2026 MLK March and Commemoration, scheduled for Monday, January 19, 2026. Full contest guidelines and submission details are available at SA.gov/MLK.
“The Youth Art Contest is an opportunity for our youth to personally interpret and express the messages taught by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” District 2 Councilmember Leo Castillo-Anguiano said. “Our community can learn so much from our young people. I’m very excited to see their artwork inspired by diversity, love, and action.”
The contest welcomes all traditional two-dimensional art forms, including painting, photography, computer graphics, and works created with colored pencils, markers, or crayons. Submissions using Artificial Intelligence (AI) or copyrighted characters/content will not be accepted.
A panel of judges will evaluate submissions based on concept, artistic expression, visual presentation, and originality. The winning artist will be notified directly, with a public announcement to follow from the MLK Commission.
Since 1987, the City has honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a series of events culminating in one of the nation’s largest marches.
For more information on the City of San Antonio’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission and Annual Citywide Art Contest, visit SA.gov/MLK.