Holocaust Remembrance Hoosier Student Creative Expressions Contest

The Indiana Civil Rights Commission is once again partnering with the Jewish Community Relations Council of Indianapolis and the MLK Holiday Commission to host Holocaust Remembrance Hoosier Student Artistic Expression Contest

The Indiana Civil Rights Commission, in partnership with the Jewish Community Relations Council of Indianapolis, the CANDLES Holocaust Museum, and The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Indiana Holiday Commission invites high school students (grades 9-12) to enter the Annual Holocaust Remembrance Hoosier Student Creative Expressions Contest.

This contest aligns with various high school Indiana Academic Standards, including U.S. History, World History, Ethnic Studies, Visual Arts, and Music.

This year's theme is “Righteous Among the Nations: Honoring the Upstanders” focusing on those who supported the Jewish community. Students can submit original works in various —such as visual arts (paintings or sculptures), creative writing (poetry or essays), musical composition, and more!

Selected pieces will be showcased at the 2025 State of Indiana Holocaust Remembrance program and displayed at the Indiana State Museum in February. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with important historical themes through creative expression!

Click here to view submission prompt and guidelines

All submissions will be assessed based on composition, form, and content. The deadline for entries is Friday, December 20, at 11:59 PM, with the winner notified by Monday, January 6.

Submission Guidelines

Students creating a piece of artwork should be made aware that certain images associated with the Holocaust, such as Nazi symbols, barbed wire, and images from the death camps, carry potent and brutal racist connotations. Students are advised to use such imagery judiciously and thoughtfully, if at all, in their compositions.

• Each student may submit one entry.
• All entries must include a brief description (100-300 words; 30 seconds – 1:30 minutes) explaining the submission and its connection to the theme; this can be provided through written text, audio recording, or other accessible formats.
• All creative expressions must be original. Any plagiarism will immediately disqualify the student from the competition. Research materials and sources should be cited.
• All entries must be submitted electronically, and the online form (below) must be completed in full.
• All entries should be titled and include the student’s name.
• 2-D artwork must be no larger than 20"x 24". 3-D artwork must be no larger than 18” x 18” x 18”. Photos of the original artwork can be uploaded on the submission form if scanning the artwork is not possible.