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Student Art and Creative Writing Contest
Student Art and Creative Writing Contest
When we fail to learn from history, we risk repeating it.
When we fail to learn from history, we risk repeating it.
This contest is an opportunity for students in grades 9-12 to hear the experiences of South Bend’s own Holocaust survivors, then creatively respond in an original work of art or creative writing.
The People Next Door: Witnessing the Holocaust
The People Next Door: Witnessing the Holocaust
The People Next Door: Witnessing the Holocaust is a 37-minute documentary sharing the stories of six Holocaust survivors who lived in Europe during the Nazi period of the 1930’s and 1940’s but were able to relocate to the South Bend area.
These survivors may have been your family's neighbors, friends, or co-workers.
Students are invited to review The People Next Door documentary (or other Holocaust education resources), then create an original work of art, poetry, or prose in response. Cash prizes will be awarded in each category.
More about The People Next Door: Witnessing the Holocaust documentary
More about The People Next Door Art and Creative Writing Contest
Select details from 2025 contest submissions
2026 CONTEST at a glance
2026 CONTEST at a glance
We're glad you're here, and we look forward to your entry!
Participation is free, and open to all Michiana-area youth in grades 9-12. Nearly $2,000 in cash prizes will be awarded.
Remember these dates:
Submission deadline: Friday, February 27, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Submissions may be made online beginning early February.
Gallery Opening and Awards Ceremony: Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 5:00 p.m., Mishawaka Public Library
For full contest information, consult the Contest Guidelines webpages, or the 2026 Contest Information Packet (PDF).
Note: the 2026 Guidelines include a new policy regarding the use of A.I. (artificial intelligence) in student submissions.
To get contest updates, join our mailing list or follow us on Facebook.
Thanks to our partners at the Mishawaka Penn Harris Public Library for again hosting the contest's exhibition.
2025 Flyer.pdfPromotional Materials
Promotional Materials
2026 Poster (PDF)
2026 Flyer (PDF)
2026 contest packet - Google Docs.pdfContest Information Packet
Contest Information Packet
2026 Contest Information Packet (PDF). New: includes 2026 policy on use of A.I.
Prior years' packets (for reference only):
Category Guidelines
Category Guidelines
2025 Prize Winners
2025 Prize Winners
Congratulations to these students who have received award recognition from our 2025 contest judges.
Virtual Exhibition
Virtual Exhibition
To view or read the creative works of participants in our 2022 and 2023 contests, visit our Virtual Exhibition page.
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