2026 Campaign Poster Contest - Children's Mental Health Matters

Theme: No Judgement, Just Help

Each year, the Children’s Mental Health Matters Campaign features an annual poster contest. The winning artwork will be featured on the 2026 Children’s Mental Health Matters Campaign poster, reaching audiences statewide.

This year, the poster contest theme is No Judgment, Just Help, in partnership with the Maryland Department of Health and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 988 is a vital resource for families and youth to get support when someone is struggling with problems like stress, depression, and anxiety.

All Maryland Students up to the age of 18 are invited to participate.

ARTWORK SPECIFICATIONS

Imagery: Artwork created by a Maryland student that captures attention through vibrant visuals, encouraging openness and acceptance around mental health while inspiring others to challenge stigma.

Format:

Square formatting, 14” x 14” preferred
Background should be filled in and empty space kept to a minimum
Two-dimensional artwork only
Completed consent form must be included for each submitted piece of artwork

CONTEST RULES

The contest deadline is February 6, 2026.
One entry per student.
Artists may collaborate on an art piece.

A consent form is required for each participating student. Complete the online consent form below or download the consent form and email it to info@cmhm.mhamd.org)

2026 Artwork Submission Form

Step 1 of 2

Upload image of Artwork(Required)

Max. file size: 32 MB.

Artist's name(s)(Required)

Title of the artwork and a few sentences that describe how the piece connects to our theme "No Judgement, Just Help", inspires others, or fights stigma.(Required)

Artist's age(s)(Required)

Artist's school(s)(Required)

What Maryland county does the artist represent?(Required)

Consent for Artist to Participate

Each year the Children’s Mental Health Matters Campaign, led by the Mental Health Association of Maryland (MHAMD), selects one piece of artwork to appear on the Campaign poster and the artist(s) is invited to attend the release of the poster along with their family and staff from the agency/school.

I give my permission to the Children’s Mental Health Matters Campaign (Campaign) and MHAMD to use the artwork for the purposes outlined below:

Use of Submitted Artwork: I authorize the Campaign and/or MHAMD to use the artwork I have submitted in print and digital formats. This includes, but is not limited to, websites, social media platforms, brochures, posters, and other promotional materials. The artwork will be used to raise awareness of children’s mental health statewide.

Use of Artist’s Name: I consent to the inclusion of the artist’s first name and/or initials alongside the artwork in any materials produced or distributed by the Campaign and/or MHAMD. This could include promotional items, publications, or media coverage aimed at raising awareness of children’s mental health.

Media Sharing: I allow the Campaign to share and distribute the artwork along with limited information about the artist, specifically the child’s name (or initials, as indicated below), age, and county. This information may be shared with media outlets across Maryland—including newspapers, television, radio, and online media—to promote children’s mental health awareness.

Use of Artist’s Photograph and Video- Optional: I give permission for the artist’s photograph and/or video to be used by the Campaign and/or MHAMD. These may be featured in promotional items, awareness campaigns, and media content, either online or in print, to support the mission of raising awareness of children’s mental health.

Promotional Materials: I understand that the submitted artwork may be incorporated into promotional items such as t-shirts, banners, flyers, and other branded merchandise solely to promote the Campaign and its goals. MHAMD will not sell or charge a fee to anyone for any promotional items that include the artist’s work nor will either organization financially gain or profit from the use of promotional items that include the artist’s work.

By completing the sections below, I confirm that I am a parent or guardian of of the artist who created the submitted artwork for the Campaign poster contest. I acknowledge that I have read and understand these terms, and I give my consent for the selected items to be used as described.

The Campaign, and MHAMD will not disclose any additional information about the artist or his/her family unless the family grants specific permission for an interview or article.

Consent Form

By checking below, I acknowledge that I have read and understood all of the above statements.(Required)

I agree

How should the artist(s) name be listed?(Required)

Use of Artist’s Photograph and Video - OPTIONAL(Required)

I give permission for the artist’s photograph and/or video to be used by the Campaign and/or MHAMD. These may be featured in promotional items, awareness campaigns, and media content, either online or in print, to support the mission of raising awareness of children’s mental health.

Yes, I give permission for the artist’s photograph and/or video to be used by the Campaign and/or MHAMD as outlined above.

No, I do not give permission for the artist’s photograph and/or video to be used by the Campaign and/or MHAMD.

I will complete the consent form and submit it to info@cmhm.mhamd.org

Parent/Guardian Full Name (or Artist Name if over 18)(Required)

Parent/Guardian Email (or Artist Email if over 18)(Required)