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NE Emerging Writers and Artists Contest

2025–2026

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

UNK English and UNK Art & Design, in collaboration with American Democracy Project, Phi Eta Sigma, the Art Society, and Sigma Tau Delta, seek submissions from Nebraska high school students to a writing and art contest. The theme of this year’s contest is Nebraska’s Land, Nature, and Memories. Students may submit a composition in one category: essay, short story, poem, or art (photography, painting, drawing, or 3-D). The contest will be judged by UNK undergraduate students.

This Year’s Theme

Nebraska’s Land, Nature, and Memories

From the Sandhills to the great Platte River, one of the hidden treasures of Nebraska is its natural landscape, flora, and fauna. For this year’s theme, consider memories and experiences you’ve had with Nebraska’s natural world — or choose a unique piece of nature that you feel deserves to have its story told.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Any freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior currently attending a Nebraska high school.
 

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

February 13, 2026

 

SUBMISSION INFORMATION

  • One submission per person
  • Poetry max. 250- 300 words
  • Short stories max. 4000 words
  • Essays max. 2000 words.
  • Art must be 2MB or less in PNG or JPEG format. Art submissions must also include a one-to-three-sentence statement explaining its connection to the contest theme. Do not include your name anywhere on your writing or artwork.
  • The submission form will ask for:
    • Name
    • High school and year in school
    • Phone number
    • Home mailing address
    • Email address
    • Submission category (essay, poem, short story, or art)
    • Submission title
    • Art submission statement (art submissions only)

PRIZES

Essay, Short Story, and Poetry
The first place winners for essay, short story, and poetry will each receive a $500 incoming students scholarship from the UNK English department; runners-up in those categories will each receive a $200 English scholarship.

 

Art (Photography, Painting, Drawing, 3-D)

The art winner and runner-up, respectively, will receive $100 and $50 worth of art supplies to be selected by the student once the contest concludes.

 

All winners and runners-up will be invited to present their work at the English department’s Student Language and Literature Conference in April.
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