Bookmark Design Challenge: Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate?
Eligible candidates must be K–8 students, including those residing or attending school in the United States, its territories, or abroad (including DoDEA schools, U.S. military installations, accredited international schools, or homeschooling programs).
How many submissions are allowed?
One original bookmark per student.
Do students have to use a template?
Yes. Each participating student must use the one-page official bookmark template provided with the guidelines.
What materials can be used?
Students should draw, sketch, or paint their own original work using crayons, markers, pencils, pastels, etc.
Is digital or AI-generated art allowed?
No. Students may not use AI-generated images or AI-assisted design tools to design their bookmarks.
What file formats are accepted?
JPG, JPEG, or PNG.
Are there file size requirements?
Yes. The image must be 900 × 2700 pixels. To ensure good print quality, files should be high-resolution and between 2–15 MB in size.
How do I submit a bookmark?
The completed designs must be uploaded using this link. Emailed submissions and incomplete applications will be disqualified and not reviewed.
Who can submit a bookmark?
The completed designs must be uploaded using this link by a parent or guardian. Parents/Guardians must also fill out a parent acknowledgement form. Please note, teachers/administrators cannot submit bookmarks or acknowledgment forms for their students. Bookmarks can be completed at school but each individual parent/guardian needs to submit them individually.
What is the deadline?
The bookmark submission deadline is Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET. Late submissions will not be accepted.
What should the bookmark represent?
With the goal of celebrating and honoring America on its 250th birthday, the bookmark design should reflect what America’s 250th anniversary means to the student creating the design. Themes may include (but are not limited to):
- American history or heritage
- Important moments or people
- Cultural traditions
- Hopes for the future
- Symbols of unity and democracy
- Ideas of community and belonging
- Creativity and innovation
Students may interpret the theme freely and creatively.
Are political messages allowed?
No. Any submission containing political content, partisan imagery, or depictions of political controversy are not permitted and will be disqualified and not reviewed.
Can logos or personal information be included?
All artwork must be wholly original and must not infringe on any copyrights or any other rights of third parties. Bookmarks must not include:
- Corporate logos
- Materials subject to copyright
- Product branding
- Names of schools, teams, or mascots
- Student last names or other personally identifiable information (PII)
Is profanity allowed?
No. Submissions containing profanity are not permitted and will be disqualified and not reviewed.
How are submissions reviewed?
Submissions are reviewed in a multi-step process. First, NEA staff screen each entry to confirm it is complete and meets eligibility requirements. Eligible submissions are then evaluated using the Bookmark Design and Review Criteria, including artistic excellence—the quality of technical skill, design, execution, and attention to detail appropriate to the grade level—and artistic merit—how clearly and effectively the design responds to the theme and communicates what America’s 250th anniversary means to the student. The NEA conducts the initial review and forwards selected finalists to the Office of the Second Lady, who makes the final selection of three winners, one from each grade band.
How many winners will be selected?
Three national winners—one from each of the following grade bands: K–2, 3–5, and 6–8.
When will winners be announced?
After an official announcement by the NEA and the Office of the Second Lady.
What do winners receive?
The NEA will feature the three winning student designs on their websites. The bookmarks will also be printed and distributed to the public at the Great American State Fair and other related NEA and Office of the Second Lady events. In addition, each winning student will be invited to Washington, DC, accompanied by a parent or guardian, to participate in an event one day at the Great American State Fair, scheduled to take place from June 25 through July 10, 2026.
Who can I contact with questions?
Email bookmarks@arts.gov.