The Call for the Arts

Since 2002, thousands of military-connected children have shared their experiences, dreams, and challenges through art.

The 2024 Call for the Arts is now open! We can’t wait to see your creations!

ELIGIBILITY + SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Open to children in grades K-12
• Only original work will be accepted (no copies of artwork, songs or existing video)
• All submissions should be titled; if not, MCEC may title the work
• Creative writing, poetry, or prose must not exceed 500 words

ART IDEAS TO CONSIDER

• Share global experiences, cultures, and friendships you’ve had as a military or veteran-connected child
• Celebrate what makes you proud of being a military kid
• Highlight a time when you overcame a challenge
• Show how you thrive with the support of your family, friends, school, or community

WHAT TO DO

1. Using any medium (paint, pencil, photography, performance, writing, etc.), share what being a military-connected child means to you.
2. Complete the Entry and Release form with an adult signature.
3. Mail your art and completed form to:
   MCEC Call for the Arts
   909 Mountain Lion Circle
   Harker Heights, TX 76548

Digital art, poetry/writing, photography, or performance art videos may be submitted with completed forms to: CallForTheArts@militarychild.org

Winners will be selected from each category (grades K-5, 6-8 and 9-12)

Winners will receive:

• An Amazon gift card in one of the following amounts:
  $100: 1st Place and Spotlight winners
  $75: 2nd Place winners
  $50: 3rd Place winners
• An invitation to attend the MCEC Global Training Summit, July 29-31, 2024, in Washington, DC
• Accolades on MCEC’s social media, eNews, and here on the website.

Submissions will be accepted through April 30, 2024.

Winners will be announced on social media and the MCEC website, MilitaryChild.org, before the end of May.

Download the Entry and Release Form.

The MCEC Entry and Release Form must be completed in full, signed by an adult, and attached with the submission. Both digital and physical submissions must be accompanied by a release form or will not be considered. If artwork is selected for publication, entrant may be asked to submit a photograph of themselves to be published with their work. Artwork may be used in MCEC promotional materials and featured in displays throughout the year. Artwork will not be returned, unless a request for return is made in writing. Requests can be sent to CallForTheArts@MilitaryChild.org and must include the artist name, grade, school and desciption of the work.