Iowa Arts Council and Iowa State Fair Announce State Art Contest for Entry
Iowans are invited to take part in the commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary this year by sharing their creative expression and artistic talents with visitors to the 2026 Iowa State Fair, Aug. 13-23, 2026, Des Moines, Iowa.
Iowans are encouraged to create and submit original artworks responding to America’s 250th anniversary. Students and adults residing in Iowa are invited to visually express the American spirit – past, present and future – and how Iowa and Iowans have shaped the cultural life of our nation.
“Iowa has a deep tradition of creativity rooted in community, place and pride,” said Jennie Knoebel, Director of the Iowa Arts Council. “This contest is a wonderful opportunity for Iowans to showcase that spirit and reflect on how our state’s people and stories have contributed to the nation’s cultural heritage.”
The Iowa Arts Council, part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, is collaborating with the Iowa State Fair on this special opportunity as part of the Iowa America 250 celebration.
“As we plan our America 250 events, competitions, and entertainment for 2026, partnering with the Iowa Arts Council on this contest is a meaningful way for Iowans to showcase their creativity,” said Jeremy Parsons, CEO of the Iowa State Fair. “We can’t wait to share these works at the Fair this year as another way to celebrate Iowa’s role in our nation’s history.”
Entries will be accepted in two categories, depending on the artist’s age. The student division is open to students enrolled in Iowa public, private or homeschooled education in grades 3-12 during the 2025-2026 school year. The Adult Division is open to any Iowan who is 18 years of age or older, as of June 1, 2026, and no longer eligible for the Student Division.
Artwork must be two-dimensional. Accepted mediums include painting, drawing, collage, prints, mixed media, photography, digital media and illustration.
Eligible entries will be reviewed by a panel of jurors and scored for artistic creativity, originality and relation to the theme.
A people’s choice prize of $500 will be awarded in both the student and adult divisions.
Merit awards will be given by jurors. For the adult division, the prize for first place is $500, second place will be awarded $300 and third place will receive $150.
For each grade band in the student division, jurors will award a $500 prize for first place, a $300 prize for second place and $150 prize for third place. The teacher associated with the top submission in each student grade band will also receive a $200 cash award.
Student and Adult Division entries must be submitted via the Iowa Arts Council’s Slideroom by 11:59 p.m. CST June 1, 2026. Applications will not be accepted in any other format.
To review contest entry rules and submit an artwork, visit Special Projects & Initiatives | Economic Development & Finance Authority. For more information about the exhibit of winning pieces at the 2026 Iowa State Fair and the Iowa America 250 celebration, visit Iowa State Fair | Iowa State Fair - America's 250 - 2026.
About Iowa Arts Council
The Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, empowers Iowa to build and sustain cultural vibrant communities by cultivating creativity, learning, and participating in the arts.