KU Libraries expands LibArt program; now accepting student artwork submissions
Students from all majors and disciplines are encouraged to submit artwork to KU Libraries LibArt program for a chance to become part of a year-long juried exhibition inside the libraries’ public spaces and win cash awards, which have been recently expanded. Students may submit up to five pieces of art through April 4 via the LibArt Submission Form. Selected entries will be showcased on library walls August through May of the 2025-26 academic year.
As it enters its 15th year, the LibArt program is introducing two new award categories made possible through generous support from donors Michael and Kathryn Hughes. The couple have contributed to the LibArt program since 2023, and Michael has served on the libraries Board of Advocates since 2023.
The new Dean’s Choice Award and the Michael and Kathryn Hughes Award join best in category, honorable mention, and best in show awards to total $5,400 in available prizes. The new categories encourage first- time participants and works that celebrate KU and the student experience.
A wide range of media are accepted, including drawing, painting, mixed-media, photography, digital/graphic design, printmaking, fiber/textile, video/animation, metalsmithing and ceramics/pottery.
The 2024-25 LibArt exhibition currently hanging in Watson, Anschutz, Murphy Art & Architecture, and Gorton Music & Dance libraries, features 146 works by more than 60 students from 42 disciplines, making it the largest display in program history. LibArt program chair Rebecca Schroeder said submissions for next year have already begun coming in.
“This is the most exciting part of the year in the LibArt cycle,” Schroeder said. “I am always amazed at the talent displayed by our KU student body. Viewing submissions from aerospace engineering and microbiology majors, for example, offers a unique perspective into how the arts are interwoven into multiple non-art disciplines across campus.”
“I thought it was a perfect opportunity, being able to have an art show for more than just art students,” said Amy Baber, a 2024 student participant and honoree. “It’s showcasing people from everywhere that are into art, not necessarily for studying it. I love being on the same platform as other artists; we’re all working toward the same thing.”
Accepted pieces are viewed by thousands of visitors across the participating KU Libraries branches over the course of the academic year.
KU Libraries is the largest library collection in the state of Kansas, with more than 5.6 million items at seven campus locations.