Enter The Headache Alliance’s “Make Art, Make Headache Visible” contest for a chance to have your art featured as part of Flags for Headache, a powerful public art and awareness initiative in Washington, DC raising awareness for headache disorders nationally and internationally.
What is “Make Art, Make Headache Visible,” and why is it important?
“Make Art, Make Headache Visible” is an initiative by The Headache Alliance (THA) to raise awareness and funding for research, prevention, and treatment of debilitating headache disorders through art.
Headache disorders impact more than 40 million Americans each year and often begin in childhood or adolescence.
This year, THA is inviting students ages 18 and under across the United States to submit original artwork inspired by this mission. Selected pieces will be featured alongside Flags for Headache in Washington, DC, as well as on THA’s website, emails, and social media channels.
Headache disorders affect people from all walks of life. By using your creativity to raise awareness, you have the opportunity to help others better understand what it’s like to live with these conditions and to be part of a growing movement for change.
Why should I enter? What’s in it for me?
There are a lot of good reasons to participate:
Creativity for a Cause
People living with headache disorders are often misunderstood or dismissed. Your artwork can help make their experiences visible and help others better understand what they go through.
It Feels Good
If you enjoy drawing, painting, writing, photography, or other creative work, you already know how rewarding it can be. This is a chance to use that creativity to make a real impact.
Recognition
Selected artwork will be featured as part of Flags for Headache in Washington, DC and highlighted across THA’s platforms.
Bragging Rights
Whether you share your work with family and friends, include it in a portfolio, or write about it in an application, this is something meaningful to be proud of.
Swag
If your artwork is selected, THA will send you some of our branded swag.
How do I enter?
Theme
Your artwork should be inspired by the goal of making headache disorders visible and improving the lives of people living with these conditions.
Format
Visual Art
- 2D: Painting, drawing, printmaking, poster, photography, collage (scanned or photographed)
- 3D: Sculpture, pottery, origami, weaving, felting, sewing (must be photographed)
Written Work
- Short story, essay, or poem (maximum 500 words)
All submissions must:
- Incorporate the color purple (the signature color of Migraine and Headache Awareness Month)
- Be original work (AI-generated content will not be accepted)
If you would like to use a format not listed above, please reach out to confirm eligibility.
Note: If a 3D artwork is selected, a photograph of the piece will be displayed.
Submission Requirements and Deadline
- Submit your artwork as:
- High-resolution JPEG or PNG (visual art), or
- PDF (written work)
- Upload your file to via this form
- You must have parental consent to enter (you will be asked to provide a parent/guardian name and email)
Deadline: May 15
Who can enter?
- Open to all students ages 18 and under in the United States
- Includes students in public school, private school, and homeschool settings
Limit: One submission per student
When will I hear back?
- You will be notified if your artwork is selected by late May
- Selected artwork will be featured in June as part of Flags for Headache in Washington, DC
Creative Prompts (Optional)
If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few ideas:
- If you live with a headache disorder, what does it feel like? What images or colors come to mind?
- What does relief feel like? How would you represent a “good day”?
- If someone you care about lives with a headache disorder, what have you seen or learned from their experience?
- What would the world look like if headache disorders were better understood, treated, or even prevented?
- Can you represent something that is invisible but deeply impactful?
Questions or Feedback
If you want feedback or guidance while working on your piece:
- Ask a teacher, mentor, or art department at your school
- This contest is independent of school coursework, but educators may be able to help support your ideas
Additional Information
How long has THA been doing this?
This is the second year of “Make Art, Make Headache Visible,” building on a successful inaugural year and expanding opportunities for students nationwide.
Who judges the artwork?
Submissions will be reviewed by THA leadership and a panel of volunteers.
Judging criteria includes:
- Connection to the theme
- Creativity and originality
Are group entries allowed?
At this time, submissions must be from individual students.
Why this matters
Headache disorders are one of the most common and disabling conditions in the world, yet they remain widely misunderstood.
Your art can help change that.
