MARQUETTE — The Michigan Municipal League Foundation has launched the new MI Community Art Competition, inviting young Michigan artists to submit original visual artwork that showcases what they love about their city, village, or township. The contest aims to inspire civic engagement and community pride among Michigan’s youth.

Starting now, young artists are asked to submit pieces of art representing the unique identity of their community: What makes the community special? When people think of the community, what comes to mind? Ideally, the artwork should illustrate buildings, events, special places and other features of their community that bring people together and foster civic pride.

The MI Community Art Competition offers three age categories: ages 5-10, 11-14, and 15-18. Three winners will be selected from each age category, plus one popular-vote winner selected from all entrants. First place winners will receive $200 and a copy of the shirt featuring their art. Second place winners will receive $100. Third place winners will receive $50. The winner of the popular vote will receive $200.

The three first-place winners will have their art featured on T-shirts produced by the MML Foundation. Profits from future shirt sales will benefit the Foundation’s programming and community grantmaking.

“The MI Community initiative gives young Michiganders a chance to make and share artwork that showcases their community spirit. We are excited to offer this new opportunity for elementary, middle, and high school students to flex their creative muscle and create art that shows everyone what they love about where they live,” said Helen Davis Johnson, President of the MML Foundation. “An art contest like this highlights young talent across the state and celebrates the places that make Michigan special.”

The following media are eligible for submission:

• Paintings (oil, acrylic, watercolor, etc.)

• Drawings (pen, pencil, charcoal, pastel, crayon, etc.)

• Digital illustrations

The following media are not eligible:

• Photography

• Sculpture

• 3D art

• Animation

• Collage

• A.I.-generated or A.I.-assisted artwork

Residents of Michigan Municipal League member communities who are between ages five and eighteen at the time of entry are eligible to enter. Artworks must be the original creation of the entrant, with no assistance from adults or artificial intelligence (A.I.) on any aspect of the piece. One entry per person is permitted. Entries must not have been previously published and must not include profanity, trademarks, copyrighted materials, or logos of any business organization or individual other than the artist.

Artwork must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. on May 6, 2026. Entries will be evaluated by an internal panel of judges, with winners notified via email in June 2026.

To enter the MI Community Art Competition, and to see the full list of rules and disclaimers, please visit mmlfoundation.org/micommunity-youth-art-competition.