Congressional Art Competition

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in each congressional district. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Students can submit entries to their local representative’s office, which will engage with a panel of artists to judge and select the winning entry. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, DC. The winning works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol in the Cannon Tunnel. The competition is open to students in grades 7-12. To learn more about the competition, please call our Malden office at (617) 354-0292 or email Samira Rouba at samira.rouba@mail.house.gov. 

2026 Competition - OPEN for Submissions

Deadline: April 17, 2026

Theme: This Land Is Your Land

Student artwork should interpret the idea that America belongs to all who call it home. Artists are encouraged to depict the land, people, history, and ideals that define the United States, such as freedom, democracy, equality, opportunity, and community. Submissions may reflect anything that connect to these enduring values. As the nation marks 250 years since its founding, students should consider how America’s principles have evolved, how they are lived out today, and how they can be strengthened for future generations. Artwork may be realistic, symbolic, or imaginative, but should clearly connect to the theme and express the artist’s vision of what “This Land Is Your Land” means to them. (NOTE: Self-portraits will not be accepted)

Required: A completed Release Form

Rules: The student's original artwork must be two-dimensional. Each framed artwork can be no larger than 26x26x4 (26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 4 inches deep, including the frame). For framing instructions, you should frame your artwork in a wooden or metal frame. No framed piece should weigh more than 15 pounds. Each entry must be original in concept, design, and execution, and may not violate U.S. copyright laws. Any entry that has been copied from an existing photo or image (including a painting, graphic, or advertisement), that was created by someone other than the student is a violation of the competition rules and will not be accepted. Additionally, the work entered must be in the original medium (that is, not a scanned reproduction of a painting or drawing). Two sturdy screw-in eye hooks (see picture in Rules and Regulations document) must be attached at the top left and right sides of the back of the frame. Do not attach wire between the eye hooks. For more information about the annual Congressional Art Competition please read the 2026 Rules and Regulations.

Entry: Please send your release form and a digital copy of your artwork to Samira Rouba at samira.rouba@mail.house.gov by April 17 at 11:59 PM. 

Reception: We will be holding an Art Competition Reception on April 30th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Woburn Public Library in their Richard J. Mahoney Program Room. We will announce the winner and top three finalists live, and everyone will get a chance to have their art showcased at the event. This event is open to all participants, along with their families and friends. State officials and faculty members will also be invited. Please fill out our RSVP form at this link regardless of if you can attend or not. If you are unable to attend for some reasons, email samira.rouba@mail.house.gov for further guidance.  All participants will have to drop off their framed artwork at our office located at 157 Pleasant St, Malden MA 02148, by April 29. Quick reminder that each framed artwork can be no larger than 26x26x4 (26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 4 inches deep, including the frame). Please call our office at 617-354-0292 or email samira.rouba@mail.house.gov to arrange art drop-off, or if you have any questions. We hope you can join us in celebrating the incredible talent of our young artists in the district!