Fair Housing Keiki Art Contest

2026 Fair Housing Keiki Art Contest

The Hawai'i REALTORS® invites Hawai'i students in grades K-8 to showcase their artistic talents in our Fair Housing Keiki Art Contest, which celebrates the importance of the Fair Housing Act that became law in April 1968. This law prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, ancestry/national origin, sex, familial status, physical or mental disability, marital status, age, or sexual orientation and gender identity. It ensures that everyone has equal access to housing and protects homebuyers from discrimination as they get a mortgage, rent a home, buy a home, seek housing assistance, or participate in other housing-related activities.

This year's theme is “Open Homes, Bright Futures.”

The Hawai'i REALTORS® Fair Housing Keiki Art Contest is open to all Hawai'i students from grades K-8, with two categories for awards.

2026 ART CONTEST THEME: “Open Homes, Bright Futures”

A home can be the beginning of a dream, a new opportunity, and a brighter future. Fair housing helps ensure that people have a fair chance to find a home where they can live, grow, learn, and thrive. Through their artwork, keiki are invited to show us what “Open Homes, Bright Futures” means to them and imagine a future where fair housing creates opportunities for people and families throughout Hawai‘i.

Categories

• Grades K-4

• Grades 5-8

Eligibility

• Any student grades K-8, enrolled in a public, private, charter, or home school in Hawai‘i.

• One entry per student. Work created by two or more students will not be accepted.

Artwork Requirements

• Submitted artwork must be original and on paper, not to exceed 8.5" x 11". No AI-generated or AI-assisted artwork or computer art. Entries must be 100% hand-created by the artist.

• Acceptable media: paint, pencil, markers, ink, crayon, and watercolor

• No frames. Students should work to the edge of the paper.

• Do not mat or frame the artwork.

• Do not fold artwork.

• Do not submit multiple entries – i.e., one entry per student.

• Student's name must be on back of artwork.

Judging Criteria

• Theme Interpretation: The artwork expresses the theme and shows an understanding of a certain component of fair housing

• Creativity & Originality: How unique and creative the theme is depicted, showing original thought or personal take on the theme

• Artistic Expression: Artwork demonstrates effort and attention to detail and visually engages viewer (effort appropriate to artist's age)

Art Submission / Entry Form (either Online or by Mail - entries must be received by Oct. 31, 2026)

• The 2026 Fair Housing Keiki Art Contest is now closed. Mahalo for all entries. Results will be announced in late November 2026.

Prizes (one from each category)

• FIRST PLACE: $250
  (plus artwork will be featured in a printed 2027 calendar)

• SECOND PLACE: $150

• THIRD PLACE: $75

Honorable Mentions will also be selected.

2025 Keiki Art Contest Results

About the Fair Housing Keiki Art Contest

In 1968, the Fair Housing Act became law. It prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, ancestry/national origin, sex, familial status, physical or mental disability, marital status, age, or sexual orientation and gender identity. This law ensures that everyone has equal access to housing and protects homebuyers and renters from discrimination.

The annual Hawai'i REALTORS® Fair Housing Keiki Art Contest helps children learn about fair housing rights and its importance in Hawai'i's communities.

The contest is open to all students in grades K-8, enrolled in a public, private, charter, or home school in Hawai'i.

Questions?

For more information about the Fair Housing Keiki Art Contest, contact Jenny Nakagawa.