Join us as we honor the teachings and impact of Martin Luther King Jr.
2027 Call for Artists
THE DRUM MAJOR INSTINCT: AFRICAN ROOTS/AMERICAN FRUIT
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 MLK ART EXHIBITION
Applications are accepted online through: https://onlinejuriedshowso.com/
- Theme: The Drum Major Instinct: African Roots/American Fruits
Application Deadline: November 1, 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.
Artist Notifications: November 9, 2026.
Exhibition Dates: January 16 – March 31, 2027
Location: Ashé Cultural Arts Center, New Orleans
Entry Fee: $40 non‑refundable application fee. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
Submission Guidelines: Artists may submit up to three images for consideration. Artwork must be original, created after 2021, with dimensions greater than 12 inches on any side and no more than 48 inches wide.
MLK SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS' ART CONTEST
All sixth through twelfth grade students in Jefferson, Orleans, Saint Bernard, and Saint Tammany Parishes are eligible to enter the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Student Art Contest. Artwork should interpret the exhibition theme, The Drum Major Instinct: African Roots/American Fruits. Children may address one or both parts of the theme. The piece that most powerfully expresses the theme will be selected for display at the Ashé Cultural Arts Center Powerhouse Gallery.
The application deadline is November 1, 2026. Selected works will be exhibited from November 20, 2026 through April 3, 2027. Judges will award first-, second-, and third-place distinctions to artworks that best embody the exhibition theme.
Deadline: November 1, 2026