Art, Awareness, and Collaboration in Action

A new collaboration between Montclair State University and the Montclair Art Museum is offering students a meaningful opportunity to merge creative practice with social impact. Together, the institutions are inviting students to design public posters that promote mental health awareness and well being, encouraging thoughtful engagement with an issue that continues to affect communities both on and off campus.

This ongoing initiative highlights the power of art and design as tools for communication, advocacy, and connection. Selected works will be exhibited at Montclair State University’s Finley Gallery, with a larger showcase at the Montclair Art Museum from May 2 through May 31, 2026, bringing student voices into a broader public space.

In addition to exhibition opportunities, the top three designs will be published in The Normal Review and awarded a $100 cash prize, recognizing both creative excellence and the importance of the message behind the work.

The project remains open to all students enrolled at Montclair State University and the Montclair Art Museum, reinforcing a shared commitment to collaboration across education and cultural institutions. With the deadline recently extended to Tuesday, March 31 at 11:59 pm, students have an additional opportunity to participate in this impactful initiative.

As the collaboration continues to develop, it reflects a growing emphasis on interdisciplinary partnerships that connect art, education, and community well being, demonstrating how design can play a vital role in shaping conversations that matter.