In 2022, Congress passed a bill called the ARTS (Artistic Recognition for Talented Students) Act. Introduced by Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), the legislation waives U.S. Copyright Office copyright registration fees for student Congressional Arts Competition winners. The bill’s passage will advance participation in the copyright registration process and promote diversity among copyright registrants.

Sponsored by the Congressional Institute, the Congressional Art Competition is an annual visual arts competition that takes place in the spring. The competition calls for entries from high school students to recognize and encourage artistic talent within their respective Congressional district. As part of the competition, students submit artwork to their Congressional member’s office and a panel of district artists select the winner. Artwork from the winner is then displayed on the walls of the U.S. Capitol for one year. 

Photo by J. Balla Photography on Unsplash.