We are deeply grateful—and genuinely moved—by the response to the 2026 Engage Art Contest. This year’s submissions reflect a vibrant, global community of artists deeply engaging Scripture in their craft.

A Snapshot of the 2026 Contest

172 artworks were accepted for consideration in the 2026 Contest, and we are thrilled to share that every accepted work is now published in our online Gallery. The talent on display is extraordinary.

Artists from 33 different countries are represented in the 2026 gallery collection, enriching the Gallery with a range of perspectives.

We encourage everyone to take time to explore the gallery. Linger with the works. Read the artist statements. Let yourself be challenged and encouraged. The range of styles, media, and perspectives invites viewers into a rich conversation between art, Scripture, and lived experience.

What Happens Next: The Jurying Process

With submissions now finalized, the next phase of the contest begins: jury review.

Each submission will be blind reviewed by a jury of distinguished artists who bring both professional expertise and deep experience in arts as ministry. Our jurors are longtime leaders and ambassadors in the Engage Art community and understand our mission at a profound level.

Jeremiah Bligen: Rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer whose work has received multi-year recognition from Engage Art, earning top placements as both a solo artist and collaborator, including a first-place international award for the song and music video Wake.

MahLeah Cochran: Author, poet, and abstract painter whose work is shaped by lived experience and resilient faith.

Monica Harrison: Dynamic Christian spoken word artist whose performances have received three-time recognition from Engage Art.

Esther Jones: Self-taught, multidisciplinary artist working primarily with chalk pastels and ceramic clay.

Suki Joseph: Award-winning multi-disciplinary artist, art instructor and author.

The jurying process unfolds in three intentional rounds.

• Round One: Artistic Excellence
  Jurors will review all eligible submissions and select a group of Semifinalists based on artistic excellence. Please note that the jurying is blind; the jury will not have access to artist information, but will judge submissions on their own merit.
• Round Two: Depth & Impact
  Semifinalist works will be reviewed again using four equally weighted criteria:
  artistic excellence, theme, impact, and Scripture engagement.
  During this round, the artist’s written reflection is considered alongside the artwork, and a shortlist of Finalists is selected.
• Round Three: Final Deliberation
  Finalists will be reviewed closely, with careful discussion and discernment, resulting in the selection of First, Second, and Third Place winners, along with Honorable Mentions (also considered winners).

Selected winning works will be featured together on YouVersion, the world’s most-used Bible app—extending their reach and inviting a global audience to engage Scripture through art.

Looking Ahead

We hope to announce the 2026 Engage Art Contest winners by Easter, and we cannot wait to celebrate the artists whose work will be recognized in this final stage.

To every artist who submitted: thank you. Your willingness to create, to wrestle with Scripture, and to share your work publicly is at the heart of what makes Engage Art a living, global community. This gallery is something to be proud of, and we’re honored to steward it with you.

Explore the 2026 Gallery Collection and join us as we continue this journey of faith, creativity, and connection.