The DART team is excited to announce the launch of their 2025 Student Art Contest. Now in its 28^th year, this beloved tradition invites North Texas students from kindergarten through 12th grade to submit original artwork for the chance to win amazing prizes and potentially see their creations featured on DART vehicles.

The theme for this year's contest is "Fantastic Journeys Start on DART," encouraging students to explore the idea of travel, adventure, and the possibilities that come with using public transportation. Whether it's a trip to school, a family vacation, or an exciting new adventure, students are invited to express their vision of how a journey begins, with public transportation as the gateway to endless opportunities. Entries must measure 11” high x 17” wide, and designs should be laid out horizontally. For the full list of submission guidelines and to obtain the official entry form, parents and educators should visit DART.org/ArtContest.

How It Works:

1. Submit Your Artwork by February 13, 2025: Students can create art in any medium size 11x17—drawings, paintings, digital designs, or mixed media—that reflects the theme of "Fantastic Journeys Start on DART."
2. Selection Process: A panel of judges, including transit agency officials, will review all submissions. Submissions will be categorized into K-2^nd grade, 3^rd-5^th grade, 6^th-8^th grade and 9^th-12^th grade and winners have the opportunity to win cash and other prizes. Judges will select one Best of Show winner from all K-12 entries, this winner will receive the $1250 grand prize sponsored by the Advocate.
3. Celebrating Winners: Winning artists will be announced in April of 2025 with an awards ceremony held at the Dallas Museum of Art, where their artwork will be unveiled.
   

“We are thrilled to once again invite students to share their creativity with us in this fun and meaningful way,” said Jeamy Molina, Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer for DART. “This contest celebrates and nurtures artistic talent from right here in our community, and it highlights the important role that public transit plays in connecting people to their goals, dreams, and destinations. We're excited to see how students bring the theme Fantastic Journeys Start on DART to life.”

A special thank you to our Student Art Contest Supporters:

Title Partner:

Advocate

Community Partners:

Children’s Aquarium Dallas

Dallas Museum of Art

Dallas Zoo

Half Price Books

Nasher Sculpture Center

Perot Museum of Nature and Science

Proxy Properties

SPARK Adventures in Creativity

The Madison

WSP

Media Partners:

Al Dia

DFW Child

Local Profile

NBC5

Plano Magazine

Telemundo Dallas

The Dallas Morning News

The art contest is a long-standing tradition for DART and has become an anticipated event each year. The winning artwork provides a unique opportunity to be showcased throughout the city, and the contest offers an avenue for students to engage with their community and the broader theme of public transit. The deadline to submit students ‘original artwork is February 13, 2025.