This year’s Frank X Walker Creative Arts Festival will take place March 2-7, 2026 at Danville High School. Students in grades K-12 in Danville, Boyle County, and the surrounding counties of Casey, Garrard, Lincoln, Marion, Mercer, and Washington are eligible to participate in the categories of poetry, visual art, playwriting, songwriting, and illustrated poetry.
This year’s theme is “Origin Story.” While this often refers to the start of an individual’s life or journey, applicants are encouraged to interpret it in many ways. Examples: the birth of an idea, the start of a career, the beginning of a nation, etc. Superheroes can have origin stories, as well as historical figures, places or things. Applicants are encouraged to use their imagination in interpreting what “Origin Story” means to them. Winning entries will demonstrate a compelling connection to this theme.
Winning poetry, playwriting, and songwriting entries will be shared and performed during the Frank X Walker Creative Arts Festival, March 2-7, 2026 with times that will be announced soon. Winning visual art and illustrated poetry entries will be exhibited at the Boyle County Public Library March 7-27, 2026, with a reception March 7 from 2-3 p.m.
All entries should be submitted online, though alternative arrangements can be made as needed. Submissions are due by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, February 16. Winners will be notified by Monday, Feb. 23. Winning visual art, poetry, and illustrated poetry will be exhibited at the Boyle County Public Library March 7-27.
For more information, contact Danville Independent Schools Director of the Arts Bo List at bo.list@danville.kyschools.us. Use the Google Forms linked below to submit your work for consideration.
