PHILADELPHIA — Today, the ACLU of Pennsylvania launched Due Something: Inspire Justice, a statewide, multidisciplinary art contest inviting young creatives to explore and reimagine one of the most powerful promises in American democracy: due process.
Open to Pennsylvania-based artists ages 18–30, the contest challenges participants to create original work that makes the constitutional principle of due process visible, accessible, and impossible to ignore. All who fit the age demographic are invited to apply, but submissions from immigrant, Black, TLGBQ+, and historically excluded communities whose rights are often most at stake are especially encouraged.
The art contest builds toward the inaugural “5/14 Due Process Day” presented by the ACLU of Pennsylvania. Set to be held on May 14, 2026 (5/14), the day of awareness was intentionally chosen to honor the dual mentions of due process in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution.
“Art has always been one of humanity's greatest connectors and one of democracy's greatest tools against apathy. We need to kindle a community response that motivates us to act together during this turbulent time in our country. Through Due Something: Inspire Justice, we're channeling the energy of young creatives across Pennsylvania into critical conversations about protecting our constitutional rights from threats,” stated ACLU of Pennsylvania Executive Director Mike Lee. “By using art to express lived experiences and envision a transformed legal system—addressing issues like indigent defense funding, due process for immigrants, and our government’s obligation to respect due process before depriving anyone of their liberties—we can build a more just Pennsylvania that better serves us all.”
Due process, enshrined in both amendments, guarantees fairness under the law and protects fundamental freedoms by ensuring that people have an opportunity to defend their rights before the government can take them away. This contest itself prompts participants to reflect on due process and creatively interrupt how due process shows up, or fails to show up, in our communities. Artists of the top three selections will receive professional compensation of $1,200, and their work will be featured as part of a large-scale public awareness campaign across Pennsylvania. Other participants receiving honorable mention will have their art displayed during community conversations around due process and 5/14 Due Process Day.
The contest welcomes a wide range of formats, including visual art such as illustration, painting, drawing, and collage; graphic design and posters; photography; poetry or recorded spoken word; and short-form video. Video submissions are encouraged to be captioned for accessibility, and bilingual submissions are welcome. Full guidelines and submission details are available at aclupa.org/duesomething.
“Art and activism have long been complementary forces for change, interwoven throughout history as catalysts for justice and equality. Artists have consistently ignited movements, empowering their communities to voice their experiences and spotlight urgent issues. We see this initiative as a true partnership to turn passion into action: we offer a platform, and young people—especially those whose lives are directly affected—create a message that transforms due process from a mere legal term into a living promise,” said Danitra Sherman, acting advocacy and policy director for the ACLU of Pennsylvania.
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