Usha Vance Launches Bookmark Contest: Your Child’s Artwork Could Represent America
India-West News Desk
WASHINGTON, DC-Second Lady Usha Vance, in collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts, has announced a nationwide Bookmark Design Challenge inviting students in grades K–8 to mark the United States’ 250th anniversary through original artwork.
The competition calls on young students to create hand-drawn bookmarks expressing what America represents to them. Submissions may reflect themes such as the nation’s history, democratic values, community life, innovation, or hopes for the future, using any art materials of the student’s choice.
“This challenge invites students to reflect on our shared history and begin imagining our future as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary,” Vance said announcing the initiative. She added that the selected designs would encourage children to engage with books and learning as part of her 2026 Summer Reading Challenge.
NEA Chair Mary Anne Carter said the program highlights the role of creativity in civic understanding. “As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, the National Endowment for the Arts is proud to invite young people to reflect on what our country means to them through creativity,” she said, noting the partnership with the Office of the Second Lady.
The challenge is open to students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five U.S. territories. Three national winners will be selected. one each from grades K–2, 3–5, and 6–8.
Winning bookmarks will be showcased during official 250th-anniversary events in 2026, including the Great American State Fair and the Second Lady’s Summer Reading Challenge. Each winner will also be invited to Washington, DC, with a parent or guardian, to attend a one-day event at the State Fair, scheduled from June 25 to July 10, 2026.
Entries must be submitted through the NEA’s website by March 31, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET. Additional guidelines and FAQs are available online, and inquiries may be sent to bookmarks@arts.gov.
