2027 Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Art Exhibition

The NCA MLK Commemorative Art Exhibition celebrates 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 and related educational and cultural activities, we give recognition to people around the world who fight for peace, justice, and responsible environmental cohabitation.

The New Orleans Martin Luther King Jr. Exhibition Council (MLKEC) provides planning, administrative and financial support for the annual National Conference of Artists Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Art Exhibition, and related educational and cultural activities.

Theme: The Drum Major Instinct: African Roots/American Fruits

Exhibition Locations: Ashé Cultural Arts Center, New Orleans

Exhibition Dates: January 16 – March 31, 2027

Important Dates

• Application entry deadline: November 17, 2026 – We will not accept applications after the deadline.
• Artist notifications: TBD
• Art should convey the exhibition theme, The Drum Major Instinct: African Roots/American Fruits.
• Art has to be created within the last five years (after 2021).
• Art dimensions must measure greater than 12 inches on any side and not more than 48 inches wide.
• Only original artwork will be accepted, no reproductions, republished work, or artist enhanced prints.
• All two-dimensional work must be framed using traditional standards and ready for hanging with attached wire, NO gallery wraps except by permission of the MLKEC Board.
• The artist or designated representative must install three-dimensional artwork weighing more than 30 pounds.
• An artist can submit up to three images for possible acceptance.
• The gallery reserves the right to exclude any artwork it deems unsuitable for display.

Digital Image Format for Submission

• Digital images (jpg) should be formatted with a resolution of 300 dpi and 1500 pixels on the longest side.
• Each image file may be no larger than 4 MB in size.
• A frame, mat, easel, etc. should not appear in the image file.
• Art descriptions are required.

Notification

All artists will receive acceptance/denial notification from the MLK Exhibition Council by email by November 7, 2026.

Sales

There is a 30% commission on artwork sold during or resulting from the exhibition. The artist or artist representative will receive 100% of the sale price. Buyers will pay the commission plus sales tax.

Awards

Jurors and the MLK Exhibition Council will determine 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards that best depict the exhibition theme. Cash prizes may be awarded based on the organization's fundraising.

Sending and Returning Art

• Artists are responsible for delivering or shipping their art for the exhibition once accepted.
• The MLK Exhibition Council will pay return shipping cost for artwork that has to be delivered more than 50 miles from New Orleans.
• If local artists living within 50 miles of New Orleans do not pick up their artwork within 14 days after the exhibition closes, the artwork becomes the property of the New Orleans Martin Luther King Jr. Exhibition Council.