2026-27 School Year Brings Opportunity for Students to Contribute to the Tapestry of New York

With the start of the new school year, K-12 students across New York are invited to submit original artwork and multimedia projects exploring the meaning of America's founding, democracy, and identity, the New York State Education Department announced today. The Tapestry of New York is a digital quilt featuring artwork and media created by elementary, middle, and high school students across the state. Students can submit original art and media-from drawings and paintings to photography, collage, animation, short films, and digital artwork-inspired by the Constitution's first three words: "We the People." Each submission becomes a "square" in the digital quilt showcasing students' unique interpretations of the American Revolution and the unfinished revolutions that followed.

Led by the New York State 250th Commemorative Commission and The WNET Group, home to THIRTEEN, New York's flagship public television station, and in collaboration with the state's public media stations, the Tapestry offers students a platform to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said, "The most transformative learning occurs when young people are empowered to see their own stories reflected in the arc of history. The Tapestry of New York invites students to explore the ideals at the heart of our nation, ask important questions about how those ideals have evolved, and express what 'We the People' means to them today. Through art, storytelling, and inquiry, students are not simply learning about history, they are recognizing their own place within it."

Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, "'We the People' is more than the opening of our Constitution, it is an invitation to every generation to consider what it means to participate in our democracy and contribute to our shared future. That spirit is at the heart of NY Inspires and our commitment to ensuring every student develops the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to thrive in school, in their communities, and beyond. The Tapestry of New York brings that vision to life by giving students across our state an opportunity to add their voices, perspectives, and creativity to our shared story as we commemorate America's 250th anniversary."

Sandra Sheppard, director and executive producer, Kids' Media and Education at WNET, said, "Through Tapestry of New York, WNET advances its mission to educate, engage, and inspire by amplifying student voices and creativity as we celebrate America's 250th anniversary. Through art, media, and storytelling, students explore civics, history, community, and belonging - connecting their perspectives to one another and to the shared history that shapes us as New Yorkers."

Schools, libraries, museums, and other cultural institutions are encouraged to use the available cross-curricular teacher toolkit to adapt lessons and supporting resources that include historical reflection, inquiry, and arts enrichment aligned with New York State Standards. After completing their projects, educators work with students to write an artist statement that will accompany their published work.

A video featuring students from The Highbridge Green School in the Bronx who created original artwork inspired by the "We the People" theme will premiere on October 21st on ALL ARTS, WNET's arts and culture hub.

Submissions to the Tapestry of New York website will be open through June 2027.

Tapestry of New York is a collaboration with Studio in a School and NY public media stations: WXXI, WPBS, WMHT, Mountain Lake PBS, WCNY PBS, Buffalo-Toronto Public Media, WSKG, WLIW, and THIRTEEN.

About The WNET Group

The WNET Group creates inspiring media content and meaningful experiences for diverse audiences nationwide. It is the community-supported home of New York's THIRTEEN - America's flagship PBS station - WLIW, THIRTEEN PBS KIDS, THIRTEEN WORLD and WLIW Create; Long Island's only NPR station WLIW-FM; ALL ARTS, the arts and culture media provider; newsroom NJ Spotlight News; and FAST channel PBS Nature. Through these channels and streaming platforms, The WNET Group brings arts, culture, education, news, documentary, entertainment, and DIY programming to more than five million viewers each month.