the people next door

Student Art, Video, and Creative Writing Contest

When we fail to learn from history, we risk repeating it. 

This contest is an opportunity for students to hear the stories of South Bend’s own Holocaust survivors, then creatively respond to their experiences in an original work of art or creative writing.

UPDATE: 2023 Dates REVISED

Please note that several contest dates have changed:

2023 will see some exciting growth to our contest, including a new video category and a return to an in-person exhibition. Read more...

UPDATES TO 2023 Contest Packet 

The 2023 Contest Packet has been revised as of February 16, 2023. The contest packet is your source for contest rules, guidelines for each category, and updates on what's new for this year's contest.

Read more...

View the Packet (PDF)

In the news

WNIT PBS Michiana features the People Next Door

Thanks to WNIT's Education Counts Michiana for this segment on the 2022 The People Next Door contest

2022 Prize winners

Congratulations to these students who have received award recognition from our 2022 contest judges. 

Virtual Exhibition 

To view or read the creative works of every student who participated in the 2022 contest, visit our Exhibition page.  

Cash Prizes

First ($300), second ($200), and third ($100) place cash prizes will be awarded in each category. Read more.

General Guidelines

About the contest, deadlines, and general rules. Read more.

Category Guidelines

Category Guidelines: Art

Category Guidelines: Video

Category Guidelines: Poetry

Category Guidelines: Prose

The people next Door

These are the stories of South Bend's own holocaust survivors. Watch their stories, or see additional resources on the history of the holocaust to inspire your creative response. Watch now.

2023 TPND Poster.pdf

Promotional Materials

2023 Poster - New Date (PDF)

2023 Flyer - New Date (PDF)

2023 Contest Packet.pdf

Contest Packet