Wassmuth Center Arts Awards

The Wassmuth Center for Human Rights invites Idaho students to create original works of writing, performance, and visual art in response to Article 2 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which affirms that everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms–regardless of race, gender, language, religion, political opinion, national origin, or any other status. 

• What does equality mean in your community?
• How do we challenge discrimination when we see it?
• What does inclusion look like in action?

Writing, performance, and visual art submissions should explore one or more of these questions. 

Each K-12 student who attends an Idaho school may submit one piece of art in one, two, or all three of the categories.

Submissions will be evaluated for creativity, vision, and technical skill.

Writing

• Submissions are limited to a maximum of 2,000 words.
• This work may take any written form, such as poetry, short story, dramatic script, letter, or essay.

Performance

• Performance examples include dance, song, monologue or dialogue, and instrumental.
• Pieces must be no more than 3 minute, shared via a private YouTube link.
• Each entry must include an artist’s statement of no more than 250 words that briefly describes the student’s creative process, inspiration, and vision.
• This is the only category in which an artist may submit individually or with a partner.
• All elements of the performance must be the original creation of one or both students. For example, a piece of music must be composed by the student, or a dialogue must be written by one or both of the student performers.

Visual Art

• Students may submit 2D or 3D work from their chosen media, such as painting, drawing, ceramics, digital, cartoon, mixed media, photography, or sculpture.
• Each entry must include an artist’s statement of no more than 250 words that briefly describes the student’s creative process, inspiration, and vision.
• In addition to the photograph submitted online for the judges to evaluate, you may deliver or mail the original artwork to the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights at 777 South 8th Street, Boise, ID 83702. We strongly encourage students to send in their original artwork as it allows the jury to fully appreciate their pieces.

 Submissions

• All entries must be submitted online by Thursday, March 12, 2026.

• Participants must include a signed media release with each submission. These are available in the submission portal or at tinyurl.com/WassmuthMR 

• The use of AI is prohibited.

Awards Recognition

• First, second, and third place prizes will be awarded for K-1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, and 10-12 grade levels, honoring excellence in each of the categories: writing, performance, and visual arts.
• Students will be notified by the Wassmuth Center by April 1, 2026. 
• Winning submissions will be displayed at the Wassmuth Center and published in a variety of formats. 
• Artists will be recognized at the Wassmuth Center’s Celebration of Human Rights on Thursday, April 23, 2026. 

Prizes

• Performance Art Awards include recognition as well as experiential prizes. 
• Writing and Visual Arts Awards include recognition as well as generous contributions to an IDeal Idaho College Savings Program account. Writers and visual artists will receive a contribution of $150 for first place, $100 for second place, and $75 for third place.