Gov. Larry Rhoden and the South Dakota Arts Council announced the opening of the Governor’s Student Art Competition.
“Arts are an important part of a well-rounded education,” Rhoden said. “They give students a chance to develop their talents, think creatively, and build confidence. This competition is a great way to recognize the hard work and talent of South Dakota’s next generation of artists.”
All South Dakota students in kindergarten through 12th grade, including those in public, private and homeschool settings, are invited to participate. Selected student work from each age division will be exhibited at the state Capitol Building in Pierre from January through September 2027.
The submission deadline is Nov. 6. Divisions are organized by grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12.
All artwork must be submitted electronically through an online student submission form, including a high-resolution JPEG image of the artwork. Guidelines and full submission instructions are available on the Governor’s Student Art Competition webpage beginning Sept. 16. Accommodations will be made for any student who encounters barriers to the submission process; students may contact Patrick.baker@state.sd.us or call 605-773-5507 for assistance.
The South Dakota Arts Council encourages teachers and parents to help students begin work on their submissions early so they have plenty of time to prepare their artwork and artist statements.
An office of the South Dakota Department of Tourism, the South Dakota Arts Council’s mission is to provide grants and services to artists, arts organizations and schools across the state, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and the state of South Dakota. The South Dakota Department of Tourism is comprised of Travel South Dakota and the South Dakota Arts Council. The department is led by Secretary James D. Hagen.