the people next door

Student Art and Creative Writing Contest

When we fail to learn from history, we risk repeating it. 

This contest is an opportunity for students to hear the stories of South Bend’s own Holocaust survivors, then creatively respond to their experiences in an original work of art or creative writing.

Select details from 2025 contest submissions

2025 CONTEST

Save the Dates!

We're thrilled to have received so many wonderful works of art and creative writing in the 2025 contest. Submissions closed on March 22, and judging will take place during the first two weeks of April. 

Entrants should watch their email for information about the Gallery Opening and Awards Ceremony on April 23, and how entrants in the Art category should deliver their works to the downtown Mishawaka Public Library for exhibition between April 16-21. 

Thanks to our partners at the Mishawaka Penn Harris Public Library for again hosting the contest's exhibition. 

2025 Flyer.pdf

Promotional Materials

2025 contest packet 2024-11-01.pdf

Contest Information Packet

2025 Contest Information Packet (PDF)

Prior years' packets:

Cash Prizes

First ($300), second ($200), and third ($100) place cash prizes will be awarded in each category. Read more.

General Guidelines

About the contest, deadlines, and general rules. Read more.

Category Guidelines

Category Guidelines: Art

Category Guidelines: Poetry

Category Guidelines: Prose

The people next Door

These are the stories of South Bend's own holocaust survivors. Watch their stories, or see additional resources on the history of the holocaust to inspire your creative response. Watch now.

2023 Prize Winners

Congratulations to these students who have received award recognition from our 2023 contest judges. 

Virtual Exhibition

To view or read the creative works of every student who participated in the 2023 contest, visit our Virtual Exhibition page.