NCA MLK COMMEMORATIVE ART EXHIBITION
THE MLK JR. EXHIBITION COUNCIL
The New Orleans Martin Luther King Jr. Exhibition Council (MLKEC) provides administrative and financial support for the annual National Conference of Artists, Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Art Exhibition and related activities.
WHAT WE DO
The NCA MLK Exhibition and related activities celebrate the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Civil Rights Movement, and those working to further peace and human understanding. Through the arts, we give recognition to the people around the world who work tirelessly for peace, justice, and responsible environmental cohabitation. We develop annual art displays, receptions, lectures, research tours, and webinars will reflect the theme activities based on one of Dr. King’s writings, speeches, or sermons. The exhibition offers diverse opportunities for local and national students, first-time or infrequent exhibitors, and established artists to receive recognition and sell their artwork. We provide a host of cultural, educational, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Visiting the MLK exhibition is a tradition for some people and one of the highlights of New Orleans’ Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday week of activities.
2027 JURIED ART EXHIBITION
- Applications are accepted through OnlineJuriedShows.com.
Apply online: https://onlinejuriedshows.com/
Theme: The Drum Major Instinct: African Roots/American Fruit.
Application deadline: October 19, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.
Artist notifications: October 26, 2026.
Exhibition dates: January 16 - March 31, 2027 at Ashé Cultural Arts Center, New Orleans.
Entry fee: $40 non-refundable application fee.
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
Artists may submit up to two images for possible acceptance.
Artwork must be original, created after 2021, greater than 12 inches on any side, and no more than 48 inches wide.
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS' ART CONTEST
Ninth through twelfth grade students in Jefferson, Orleans, Saint Bernard, and Saint Tammany Parishes are eligible for this contest. The amount of children's work that best portray the exhibition theme, The Drum Major Instinct: African Roots/American Fruit, will be chosen based on space availability. The best artwork in the exhibition will receive first place, second place, and third place honors.