2026 Magnify Voices art contest open for entries

CONCORD — The New Hampshire Children’s System of Care is now welcoming submissions for the eighth annual Magnify Voices Expressive Art Contest. From now until April 26, students in fifth through 12th grades are invited to share original creative pieces that express their experiences with mental health. Magnify Voices, a CSoC initiative, aims to elevate youth voices, reduce stigma and inspire meaningful change in support of youth mental health.

The Magnify Voices Expressive Art Contest began in 2019 to empower youth to convey their experience with mental health challenges through creative artwork. Since then, more than 600 entries have been submitted from Granite State youth sharing their voices and perspectives with the community.

“Creative expression — whether through visual art, writing, or any other medium — has the power to reveal emotions and mental health experiences that words alone often cannot capture. Magnify Voices goes to the heart of CSoC’s mission of amplifying youth perspectives to improve mental health, reduce stigma, and inspire hope and change,” said Deb Jurkoic, Magnify Voices Committee member and National Alliance on Mental Illness New Hampshire NH Family Network coordinator.

Magnify Voices calls attention to the mental health concerns of New Hampshire youth and the challenges of the system that serves youth and families. A broad range of organizations and volunteers collaborate to support the art contest to recognize the vital importance of positive mental health for a child’s healthy development.

Magnify Voices accepts a wide range of artistic submissions, including a short video, song, performance, or interpretive dance (two minutes or less); an essay or poem (1,000 words or less); or a design medium such as sculpture,

photography, painting, or diorama.

An exhibit of all submissions will be featured at a celebration event on May 27, 2026, at Kingswood Art Center, Wolfeboro. Twelve finalists will be chosen by a panel of judges, including youth judges, and will be announced at the event, along with a People’s Choice winner. The People’s Choice Winner will be voted on at the celebration and will also receive a cash prize.

After the celebration event, submissions will be displayed at other exhibits and events around the state to continue to raise awareness and reduce stigma around youth mental health challenges.

To learn more, visit NHCSoC.org/participate.