The Meridian Museum of Art, in collaboration with the Mississippi Writers Guild, the Mississippi Songwriters Alliance, and the Montgomery Institute, has announced an engaging community writing contest titled “Art Speaks, We Write.” This initiative invites participants to draw inspiration from the museum’s permanent collection, with the contest open to youth in grades 6-12 and adults.
Participants are encouraged to select any artwork from the museum and respond through various formats, including poetry, prose, or digitally recorded songs. The process begins with close visual observation, allowing writers to deepen their responses by researching the artist, historical context, or cultural themes related to their chosen piece.
Richelle Putnam, project director, emphasized the significance of the contest, stating, “This writing contest invites our community to slow down, look closely, and engage with the stories preserved inside the Meridian Museum of Art’s permanent collection.” The initiative aims to encourage writers, particularly youth, to move from simple observation to a place of curiosity and research, uncovering the deeper histories behind the images.
The contest serves not only as a platform for creative expression but also aims to strengthen the bond between visual art and literature. Kate Cherry, executive director of the Meridian Museum of Art, highlighted the educational benefits, noting, “Relating visual art to literature strengthens critical thinking and creative expression.” She added that connecting artwork to writing helps participants ask questions, conduct research, and better understand artistic choices, enriching their own creative processes.
Caleb Phillips, deputy director of the Meridian Museum of Art, remarked on the contest’s potential to translate visual elements into written words. He stated, “This competition allows participants to explore themes of history, identity, and inequality while showcasing local talent.”
The contest features three age categories: Youth (Grades 6-8), Youth (Grades 9-12), and Adult (18+). Participants can submit their work in the following formats:
– Poetry (maximum 32 lines)
– Prose (maximum 500 words)
– Digitally Recorded Song (maximum 4 minutes)
Cash prizes will be awarded, ranging from $25 to $150 for youth categories and $50 to $175 for adults. Winning entries will receive monetary awards and certificates, and will be displayed alongside the artwork that inspired them. Honorable mentions will also receive certificates.
The contest opens on March 1, 2026, and closes on March 27, 2026. Judging will conclude on April 5, 2026, with an awards ceremony scheduled for April 11, 2026 at the Meridian Museum of Art. Entry is free, and guidelines along with entry forms can be accessed at the Meridian Museum of Art or on the Mississippi Writers Guild website under Events: Art Speaks, We Write.
This initiative has been made possible through an Individual Artist Grant awarded to Putnam by the Mississippi Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts, further emphasizing the importance of community engagement in the arts.
