All districts — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently announced statewide art and writing contests for students in grades K-12, inviting them to help shape her 2026 State of the State address by designing the program cover and sharing what they love most about Michigan.
Young artists are invited to create a design for the program cover, following the theme, “Michigan’s Bright Future,” and answering the question, “What does Michigan’s bright future look like to you?” Students may use any art materials, including crayons, markers or paints.
Designs should be submitted at Michigan.gov/ArtContest by following the instructions on the website.
In addition, the governor is also inviting young Michiganders to write a short story or essay that answers the question, “What do you love most about Michigan?” The winning entry will be featured as part of the governor’s State of the State address, scheduled for Feb. 25.
To submit a short story or essay, visit the submission website and follow the instructions on the page.
Submissions for both the art and writing contests will be accepted exclusively through the online system and must be received by 11:59 p.m. Feb. 15.
Read more from our districts
• Art & writing competition winners share work
• Annual State of the Student event highlights student voice
