Call for Art

media release: The Creative Power program weaves together our annual Call for Art, the Creative Power Showcase (an exhibition of all submissions), the Creative Power Collection of award-winning visual art that travels to communities throughout Wisconsin, and the Creative Power Celebration.

The Creative Power program provides public recognition of the artistic talents and contributions of children and adults with disabilities across Wisconsin.

Creative Power begins with a free annual Call for Art by children and adults with disabilities. We display all Call for Art submissions in the Creative Power Showcase and invite the public to experience the artwork online and in person. Judges select prize-winning pieces from the showcase, honoring creativity, originality, and craftsmanship. Each year, ten award-winning pieces join the Creative Power Collection, a traveling exhibition that tours community spaces around Wisconsin. We honor all Call for Art submitters and award winners at the annual Creative Power Celebration. The next celebration is on April 18, 2026. 

Call for Art submissions will open October 31, 2025.

Call for Art submission window closes: February 14, 2026, 5:00 pm CST 

AFA will not extend the submission deadline past February 14. The online submission form must be completed and submitted by February 14, 2026, by 5:00 pm CST. 

Artwork onsite or postmarked by: February 18, 2026, 5:00 CST 

Award winners notified: March 4, 2026  

Creative Power Showcase Opening Reception: March 6, 2026 

Creative Power Showcase open to the public: March 6, 2026 

Experience the Creative Power Showcase in person at the Madison Youth Arts Center (MYArts), 1055 E Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703, or online. 

Creative Power Celebration: April 18, 2026 

Final artwork pickup: May 15, 2026 

Call for Poetry  

To ensure that our staff and volunteers are best prepared to accept and honor your poetry submissions, we have made the decision to postpone our Call for Poetry. Please contact AFA staff if you have questions about this decision. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you know when the next Call for Poetry is announced!