Danville Independent School District is pleased to announce its 12th Annual Frank X Walker Creative Arts Contest. Entries will be accepted Monday, Jan. 4 through 11:59 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, 2027. Winners will be announced by Friday, Jan. 29 and will be invited to perform or exhibit their work during the Frank X Walker Creative Arts Festival, the week of March 1-6 (with dates and times to be announced).
The Theme
The contest’s theme, “I Am America’s Promise,” comes from Walker’s poem “A Black Father Dreams a Son,” from his book of poetry, Load in Nine Times. Anyone, from any background, should feel welcome to explore and apply the theme any way they wish. Students are encouraged, but not required, to read the poem from which the theme is taken.
“America’s Promise” could refer to the future, or to what the nation guarantees its citizens. The promise could be prosperity or health, environmental stewardship or patriotism. It could be about the inclusiveness of America’s promises, or the rights our citizens and people are afforded. And yet, it need not necessarily be positive. Submitted works can be critical, sad, concerned — reflecting the full complexity of the human experience in our country. Writers are encouraged to use the theme as a starting point to whatever it is they find most interesting in it, whether they find joy or something more complicated.
Please note: all works should be titled, and no works should include the word “America” or “Promise” in them. Classes who require students to participate should refrain from having each student’s work titled the same.
Eligibility
K-12 students who attend schools in Danville and Boyle County and each of its neighboring counties (Casey, Hardin, Lincoln, Garrard, Mercer, and Washington) are eligible to apply and compete.
Submit Your Work
Find the guidelines for all disciplines, discipline-specific requirements, and application links at the link below.
Guidelines & Applications
Questions?
Contact Bo List
Arts Director, Danville Independent Schools
bo.list@danville.kyschool.us
859-936-8416
