FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wed., Sept. 17, 2025
CONTACT: Katlyn Svendsen, Global Public Relations & Content Services Senior Director, Travel South Dakota

Governor Rhoden Opens Call to Student Artists

PIERRE, S.D. – In celebration of National Arts in Education Week, Sept. 15-19, 2025, Governor Larry Rhoden and the South Dakota Arts Council announce the opening of the Governor’s Student Art Competition.

“Our kids deserve a well-rounded education that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and personal growth. The arts play a key role in fostering that development,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “This competition is a chance for South Dakota students to share their talents, celebrate their hard work, and inspire others through their creativity.”

All South Dakota students in kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to participate in this program. Selected student work from each age division will be exhibited at the State Capitol in Pierre from January through September 2026.

The submission deadline is Nov. 5. The divisions are organized as grades K-2, grades 3-5, grades 6-8, and grades 9-12.

All artwork must be submitted electronically through a student submission/release form, including emailing a high-resolution jpeg image of the artwork for consideration. Guidelines and full submission instructions are available online at https://artscouncil.sd.gov/events/student_art_Main.aspx beginning Sept. 17. Accommodations will be made for any student who encounters barriers to this submission process. Please reach out to Patrick.Baker@state.sd.us or call 605-773-5507 for assistance.

The South Dakota Arts Council encourages teachers and parents to help students work on their submissions early so they have plenty of time to prepare their artwork and artist statements.

This exciting opportunity for student artists is a collaboration between Gov. Rhoden and the South Dakota Arts Council, a state agency organized under the South Dakota Department of Tourism. The South Dakota Department of Tourism is comprised of Travel South Dakota and the South Dakota Arts Council. The department is led by Secretary James D. Hagen.

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