Looking Back, Looking Forward Art Contest

To celebrate KIPP DC’s 25th Anniversary, we are inviting students across all KIPP DC schools to create artwork that highlights our rich history and imagines our bright future. This contest celebrates student creativity while honoring the legacy of our community and the limitless possibilities ahead.

THEME: Looking Back, Looking Forward

This theme asks students to reflect on where KIPP DC has been over the past 25 years AND imagine where we’re going in the next 25 years. Students can choose to focus on:

Looking Back:
History & Legacy

  • From one school to 20+ across DC
  • Milestones, traditions, and celebrations
  • The students, families, educators, and leaders who built KIPP DC
  • How KIPP DC has shaped our community
  • Personal or family connections to our history

Looking Forward: Visions & Dreams

  • What KIPP DC could become
  • Hopes for future students and alumni
  • Innovation in learning and education
  • The impact KIPP alumni will have on DC and beyond
  • Your vision for the future

Past & Future

  • How our history shapes what’s next
  • Where we’ve been—and where we’re going
  • Growth, change, and evolution over time

Artwork should capture the spirit of:

Community

The people, connections, and relationships that make KIPP DC special

Joy

The celebrations, triumphs, and moments of happiness

Legacy

Our 25-year impact on students, families, and Washington, DC

Dreaming Big

Our vision, aspirations, and limitless possibilities

Submission Requirements

Eligibility

  • Open to all KIPP DC students in grades K–12
  • Students may submit one piece of original artwork
  • All artwork must be created by the student (no AI-generated art)

Required Information

  • Student’s full name & Grade level
  • KIPP DC school name
  • Artwork title & Artist Statement (2-3 sentences) answering:
    • What inspired your piece?
    • What message or feeling do you hope to communicate?
    • How does your artwork reflect KIPP DC’s history, present, or future?

Accepted Art Forms

  • Drawings (pencil, colored pencil, charcoal, pastel, etc.)
  • Paintings (acrylic, watercolor, tempera, oil, etc.)
  • Collages (mixed papers, photographs, magazine cutouts, etc.)
  • Mixed-Media Artwork (combination of materials)
  • Digital Artwork (created using digital tools/software)

Size Requirements

  • Minimum size: 8.5″ x 11″ (standard letter size)
  • Maximum size: 24″ x 36″ (poster size)
  • Recommended sizes: 11″ x 14″, 12″ x 16″, 16″ x 20″, 18″ x 24″
  • 3D artwork is not accepted for this contest

Prizes & Recognition

Cash Prizes: Prizes will be awarded in three grade bands: Elementary, Middle, and High School. 1st Place: $300 gift card (one winner per grade band)

Additional Recognition: All participants receive a certificate of participation

Winners receive:

  • A formal certificate signed by KIPP DC leadership and their art teacher
  • Recognition at the 25th Anniversary Art Exhibit
  • A feature on KIPP DC’s website and social media
  • The opportunity to have their artwork featured on KIPP DC merchandise

Important Dates

Late January 2026Contest launches
Friday, March 27, 2026Submission Deadline
March 27-31, 2026The selection committee reviews submissions
First Week of AprilWinners notified
Thursday, April 23, 202625th Anniversary Art Exhibit opening event
April 24 - May 23, 2026Exhibition Open for Community Viewing

Submission Form

Click the button below to submit your artwork!

Submit your artwork now!

Physical Artwork Delivery

  • Winners will be asked to deliver their original physical artwork for the exhibit after being notified
  • Delivery instructions will be provided to winners
  • All artwork will be safely stored and returned after the exhibit