This year's theme, Shaping Our Future: Imagining the Next Generation of Hmong Culture, Community, and Leadership, invites Hmong artists across California to envision what lies ahead for our community — with the winning artwork featured on the cover of the official SHNY 2026 Event Booklet.
Thank you for your interest in the Sacramento Hmong New Year's (SHNY) 2026 Cover Art Contest.
This year's theme, Shaping Our Future: Imagining the Next Generation of Hmong Culture, Community, and Leadership, invites Hmong artists across California to envision what lies ahead for our community. Through your artwork, we encourage you to explore how our heritage inspires innovation, how our communities continue to grow, and how the next generation will lead with purpose, creativity, and pride.
This is your opportunity to create an original work of art that reflects your vision for the future of Hmong in America. The winning artwork will be featured on the cover of the official SHNY 2026 Event Booklet and showcased during one of California's largest Hmong cultural celebrations.
Artwork must be your original creation. AI-generated artwork, or artwork that substantially incorporates AI-generated imagery, is not permitted.
Artists must identify as Hmong and reside in California.
Artists must be 16 years of age or older. If under 18, a parent or guardian's contact information is required.
Individual and group submissions are welcome, including Hmong student organizations, clubs, or collaborative artists. One individual must be designated as the primary contact, and all contributing artists should be identified on the submission form.
All participants will receive a formal Letter of Recognition from Sacramento Hmong New Year in appreciation of their contribution.
Step 1 — Community Voting
Following Community Voting, the top-voted entries — generally the top five, depending on the number of qualifying submissions — will advance to the final round.
Step 2 — Board Review
The SHNY Board of Directors will conduct a blind review and evaluate finalist artwork using a set of shared criteria.
Community Voting determines which entries advance to the final round. The SHNY Board of Directors selects the final winners.
The Cover Art Contest submission window opens — begin preparing your artwork and gathering your materials.
All entries must be submitted by August 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.
Qualifying entries are posted for public voting to determine which advance to the final round.
The SHNY Board of Directors conducts a blind review of finalist artwork.
First, second, and third place winners are notified privately.
Winners are announced publicly, and the winning cover art is revealed.
Contest Participation Disclaimer: Sacramento Hmong New Year, Inc. (SHNY) reserves the right to extend submission deadlines, modify contest timelines, or adjust the contest format, including the number of finalists or winners selected, based on participation or operational needs. All decisions regarding contest administration, judging, and winner selection are final.