The 2024 Texas Mental Health Creative Arts Contest is accepting entries from all age groups in original artwork, writing and photography. The submission deadline is March 1.
The Mental Health Creative Arts Contest — a collaboration of HHSC, the Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health at the University of Texas at Austin, and the Texas System of Care — aims to raise awareness of mental health experiences, challenge the stigma of mental health, and provide an opportunity to express complex emotions through creative outlets.
Participants can submit original, creative works in one of three categories — original artwork, writing or photography — that draw on the contest theme, “Why Does Mental Health Matter to You?”
The contest is open to Texans of all ages and is judged in four age groups — elementary school, middle school, high school, and adult.
Now in its 13th year, the contest shines a light on an often-overlooked topic and encourages Texans to seek help when they need it. This year’s theme, “Why Does Mental Health Matter to You?” reflects the move toward treating mental illness with the same openness as other illnesses.
Last year the contest received 671 submissions, and even more are expected this year.
For more information, including past winners, rules and how to submit, visit the Texas Mental Health Creative Arts Contest website.