The 2027 Annual Competition window is now open.
The ARTEFFECT annual competition—free to enter and open to all students in grades 6-12—encourages young artists to shape the future by celebrating stories of role models from history. Since 2016, students have participated in ARTEFFECT from around the globe. Young artists creatively interpret the stories of Unsung Heroes by creating original visual artworks, writing reflective Impact Statements (500-1,000 words), and showcasing their projects in their classrooms and communities to stimulate positive change. There is no entry fee.
To create a submission, you will need to create a Submittable account using an email account that you can verify. Educators can use their email to make multiple submissions on behalf of their students. You are encouraged to submit at least one day in advance to allow time for any troubleshooting.
2027 ARTEFFECT Competition Submission Guidelines and Checklist
Estimated time to complete: 20-30 minutes
1. Check Eligibility
Grades 6-12, individual project, and no AI used. See Competition Guidelines and FAQs.
2. Choose Your Unsung Hero
Pick from the approved list on the Unsung Heroes Directory or get approval by email: arteffect@lowellmilken.org.
3. Create Your Artwork
Original 2D, digital, mixed media, or 3D artwork. Review the Judging Rubric.
4. Write Your Impact Statement
500-1000 words answering the required prompts. Please submit your Impact Statement in English.
5. Submit on Submittable
Following along with these step by step Submission Guide, fill out this form, submit art images, and Impact Statement by April 19, 2026 (11:59 PT). We encourage all applicants to submit at least one day before the deadline. Late submissions are not accepted. You can save a draft of your application.
Submission Confirmations:
For Students: After submitting your artwork, you will receive an email confirmation from Submittable. To ensure you receive this email, please add the "notifications@email.submittable.com" email to your email contact list or safelist. If you do not receive a confirmation email, contact us at info@arteffectlmc.org or log into your Submittable account to confirm your application status.
For Sponsor Teachers: If you would like to follow up on application submissions and confirmations for your students, please email us at info@arteffectlmc.org.
Need help submitting?
You can send Submittable an email with their form here: https://submittable1.my.site.com/submittablehelp/s/14873512
NOTE: Submittable will respond within business hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM MT, Monday-Friday.
For any technical assistance while submitting, you can reach out to the ARTEFFECT team at info@arteffectlmc.org for any questions about your application.