2026 211 Art Contest - Enter For a Chance to Win $3,000
Contest opens February 11, 2026
Create Art That Tells the Story of 211 in Your Community
Every day across the Bay Area, thousands of people rely on 211 for food assistance, housing disaster relief, immigration support, mental health services, and more. It is one of the few services that connects all eight counties we serve — Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Solano — through a single, free, 24/7 lifeline, available in 150 languages.
Despite how essential 211 is to our region’s well-being, it remains severely underfunded. Every county depends on it, yet many residents don’t realize how easily this essential service could be compromised without sustained financial investment – or how deeply it supports their communities.
This year, the 211 Art Contest invites residents from all eight counties to help raise awareness and celebrate the support 211 provides our communities.
For the first time, the contest will be county-based, with the top finalists from each county advancing to represent their community in a regional competition. County pride and local storytelling will play a central role in showcasing 211’s impact.
Creative Prompt:
“The Power in Connection”
Show how 211 connects people, places, and communities in your county.
How would your county look if everyone knew exactly where to turn for help?
You might explore what 211 looks like in your community, who defines resilience where you live, or how access to help changes lives. All mediums are welcome, including illustration, photography, video, spoken word, digital art, and more.
More Information
What Is 211 and 211 Day?
February 11th is 211 Day! This annual event raises awareness and recognizes the impact of 211 in supporting individuals and communities with vital services in times of need.
211 is more than just a helpline; it’s a lifeline for communities in times of need. Instead of navigating through multiple dead-end calls, this free resource ensures that those in need connect with a trained specialist who guides them to the right services. Accessible via phone, text, or online, 211 operates 24/7 in over 150 languages, while maintaining the confidentiality of every call. These three numbers, 211, links callers with health and human services, making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals across diverse communities.
What are examples of resources 211 provides?
- Food: from accessing free healthy groceries to getting a hot meal
- Immigration and Legal Aid Services: Access to legal aid, documentation guidance, and more. Immigration status is not required when you call 211.
- Shelter: from shelter for the night to assistance with paying rent to understanding tenant rights
- Utilities: getting help with paying bills or getting utilities turned back on
- Disaster Relief: from finding warming centers during cold weather spells to accessing FEMA funds to rebuild your home after a devastating natural disaster
- Health and Wellness: access to mental health resources, assistance with finding health insurance, or support to kick habits like smoking
- And so much more
What are the 2026 211 Art Contest guidelines?
- Contestants must reside in one of our eight service area counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa San Mateo, San Francisco, Santa Clara and Solano
- Submission must follow the creative prompt “Show how 211 connects people, places, and communities in your county”. Details found at https://uwba.org/get-involved/events/211-art-contest/.
- Please send your submission through the contest website: https://uwba.org/get-involved/events/211-art-contest/
- Submissions will need to be in PNG, JPEG or PDF format. Video must be uploaded to either YouTube and Vimeo and the URL provided on the submission form.
- Submit at 300-word description of your artistic interpretation
- All contestants must be 18+
- All submission must be submitted by March 11, 2026, at 11:59 PM to be considered
- Official Rules will be available soon
How are the winners selected?
- Online Voting Awards:
- Round 1: Regional Awards:
- Online Voting March 16-27, 8 winners announced March 28
- The top five (5) entries from each of the eight counties, selected by the Judge’s panel, will be qualified to compete in the Regional Awards.
- Eight (8) Regional Award winners will be selected by online voting. The submission with the highest number of online votes from each county will receive the Regional Award of $250 and go on to represent their county in the final round and compete for the People’s Choice Award.
- Final Round: People’s Choice Online Voting
- March 28- April 3, 1 winner announced April 4
- One (1) People’s Choice Award and $1,000 prize will be given to the Regional Award submission with the highest number of online votes for the final round.
- Round 1: Regional Awards:
- Judge’s Award:
- 1 winner announced April 4
- One (1) Judge’s Award will be selected by a panel of judges (comprised of UWBA staff and a representative from each of the 8 counties). The Judge’s Award winner will receive $3,000.
See Past Winners and Finalists
Media Waiver
Acceptance of the Media Waiver is required to attend any UWBA event.
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