The Dillard community is proud to congratulate Nile Nichols on being named the student winner of the 2nd Annual Poster Competition for the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival!
Hosted by the August Wilson African American Cultural Center and made possible with support from Duolingo, this year’s competition invited student and professional artists to visually interpret the festival’s 2026 theme, Our America250 — a reflection on the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and a celebration of how jazz, blues, rock, soul, gospel, hip hop, and jazz-adjacent styles have shaped American culture and global trends.
Nile’s winning artwork will represent the 16th edition of the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, standing alongside a legacy that includes jazz icons like Mary Lou Williams, George Benson, and Earl “Fatha” Hines — artists whose roots trace back to Pittsburgh’s own rich musical history.
Congratulations, Nile! This is an incredible honor, and a beautiful reflection of the creativity and talent within our Dillard community.
Please join us in celebrating Nile’s achievement!
Dillard University Administration
