PreK-12 All-City Visual Arts Exhibition
In partnership with the Design Museum of Chicago (DMoC), the All-City Visual Arts Elementary and High School Exhibitions showcase 2D, 3D, and time-based artwork by CPS students in grades PreK–12 from any CPS school (including district-managed, charter, contract, and options schools).
PreK-12 All-City Exhibition Deadlines for School Year 25/26
- ACVA Application Opens
October 1, 2025 - ACVA Application Closes
February 22, 2026 - ACVA Notification of Acceptance
Week of March 10, 2026 - ACVA Exhibition
May 1-30, 2026
Extra/Ordinary
In partnership with the Art Institute of Chicago's Teen Council and the CPS Art Student Voice Committee, Chicago Public Schools' Student Art Exhibition: Extra/Ordinary highlights 3-D artwork by CPS students in grades Pre-K–12 from any CPS school (including district-managed, charter, contract, and options schools).
Read the Submission Guidelines los reglamentos de solicitud en español
Extra/Ordinary Exhibition Deadlines for School Year 25/26
- Submission Window for all students PreK - 12
October 27, 2025 - January 25, 2026 - Notification of Acceptance
Week of February 9, 2026 - Exhibition Opening Reception
Saturday, April 4th, 2026 - In-Person Exhibition Dates
March 5th-June 5, 2026
ART on THE MART
In conjunction with All-City Visual Arts (ACVA), ART on THE MART (AoTM) highlights selected CPS student artwork from across the city in a collaborative exhibition. A shining example of Chicago’s long-standing commitment to public art, ART on THE MART brings cutting-edge video mapping techniques to Chicago’s Riverwalk, displaying projections of contemporary art across the 2.5-acre façade of THE MART.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: Coming soon!
ART on THE MART Exhibition Deadlines for School Year 25/26
Submission Window for students in grades 9 - 12
January 5, 2026 – March 13, 2026
Pre-Selection Communications
Week of March 20, 2026
Exhibition Opening Reception
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Exhibition Dates
May 21 - May 31, 2026
THE MART Plaza - 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza
The show will run Thursday-Sunday at approximately 8:30pm.
APPLICATION: Coming soon!
Senior Portfolio
In partnership with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) and The Design Museum of Chicago (DMoC), the CPS All-City Visual Arts Senior Portfolio Exhibition offers high school seniors the opportunity to exhibit their artwork while gaining exposure among selected admissions representatives of various colleges and universities. Works of art will be shared as in-person and virtual exhibitions.
Senior Portfolio Exhibition Deadlines for School Year 25/26
- Senior Portfolio Application Opens
October 1, 2025 - Senior Portfolio Application Closes
November 23, 2025 - Senior Portfolio Notification of Acceptance
December 5, 2025 - Senior Portfolio Exhibition
January 7th - 14th, 2026 - Senior Portfolio Exhibition Opening
Wednesday, January 7th, 2026
