Now Accepting Applications for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition!

Congressional Art Competition

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide visual arts competition for high school students to recognize and encourage artistic talent. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated.

Winners are recognized both in their congressional district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, DC. The winning works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.

Our office's theme this year will be "America's 250th Birthday". We want the winner's artwork to tell Capitol visitors what Massachusetts means to the American story - past, present, or future.

Artwork must be two-dimensional and can be no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 4 inches deep. Even when framed, it must still measure no larger than the above maximum dimensions. No framed piece should weigh more than 15 pounds.

Work entered must be in the original medium (not a scanned reproduction of a painting, drawing, etc.) Artwork will hang in the U.S. Capitol for the duration of the exhibition. Students should only submit artwork they will not need for other purposes.

Artwork must adhere to the policy of the House Office Building Commission. In accordance with this policy, exhibits depicting subjects of contemporary political controversy or a sensationalistic or gruesome nature are not allowed. Each Member of Congress will be required to submit a Letter of Support confirming that the Member has determined that the winning artwork adheres to the Commission's policy.

Accepted mediums for two-dimensional artwork:

• Paintings (Oil, acrylic, watercolor, etc.)
• Drawings (Colored pencil, pencil, ink, marker, pastel, charcoal, etc.)
• Collages (Must be two dimensional)
• Prints (Lithograph, silkscreen, block print, etc.)
• Mixed Media (Use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.)
• Computer-generated art
• Photographs

Student Information and Release Form:
To enter, please complete the Student Information and Release Form. The form requires a description of the artwork, which should be detailed, clearly identifying the major elements of the work. For example, "self-portrait" or "a picture of two people" would be unacceptable, since many artworks would fit those descriptions. The following is an example of a useful description: "A painting of two people; the person on the left wears a green sweater and khaki pants; the person on the right wears a black shirt and a striped skirt. A dog sits at their feet."

The second page of the Release Form contains a legal release and a certification that the artwork is original in design and execution. The student, an art teacher, and a parent or guardian must sign where appropriate. Entries without signed originality certifications and artwork releases may not be accepted.

A TYPED copy of the Student Information and Release Form, signed by the student, teacher, and parent or guardian, must be securely attached to the back of the artwork to certify the originality of the piece. If this is not completed and attached, the student's submission will not be considered.

Artwork Submissions and Student Release Forms should be scanned and emailed to: [email protected] by April 24, 2026

For additional information: Congressional Art Competition