15 Art Competitions for High School Students
If you are serious about art, design, photography, or another creative field, competitions can give you more than a line on your resume. They push you to finish original work, follow professional submission rules, write about your process, and present your ideas clearly. That matters whether you are building a portfolio for college, preparing for internships, or trying to show sustained interest in a creative field on your CV or statement of purpose.
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Why should I participate in an art competition in high school?
Art competitions can give you structured experience with the kind of work expected in college-level creative fields. You often need to interpret a prompt, choose a medium, revise your work, write an artist statement, and submit according to technical guidelines. This process helps you develop discipline, originality, and presentation skills. It also gives you evidence of initiative: instead of only saying that you are interested in art, you can point to a completed body of work, a juried submission, an award, or an exhibition.
Here is a list of 15 art competitions for high school students you can consider.
Quick Look
15 competitions total spanning visual art, photography, film, digital art, and conservation-focused creative work, with several also requiring a written component alongside the artwork
Most competitions are completely free to enter, with the notable exception of YoungArts (application fee with waivers) and the All-American High School Film Festival (submission fees and attendance costs)
The largest prizes are Doodle for Google ($45,000 scholarship plus a $50,000 school tech package) and ARTEFFECT ($35,000+ total in cash prizes), both of which also offer significant public visibility
Several competitions are open internationally with no geographic restriction, including Bow Seat, ARTEFFECT, Sony World Photography Awards, Science Without Borders, and SAVE THE FROGS!
Scholastic Art and Writing Awards and YoungArts are the two most prestigious and broadly recognized by college admissions officers, with Scholastic accepting entries from fall through January and YoungArts typically closing in October
1. Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Location: United States & Canada (regional + national levels)
Cost/Stipend: ~$10 per entry; fee waivers available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Program Dates: Fall–winter submission cycle
Application Deadline: December–January (varies by region)
Eligibility: Students in grades 7–12 (age 13+) in the U.S., U.S. territories, or Canada
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are among the most prestigious and longest-running competitions for creative teenagers, founded in 1923. In this competition, you submit original work across categories such as painting, photography, digital art, and mixed media. Your work is first judged regionally, and top entries advance to national adjudication by industry professionals. Submissions are evaluated anonymously based on originality, technical skill, and artistic voice. If recognized, you may gain access to exhibitions, publications, and scholarships, including portfolio-based awards.
2. YoungArts National Arts Competition
Location: United States (national recognition; programs in locations like the Kennedy Center and partner venues)
Cost/Stipend: Application fee; fee waivers available
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective national pool across 10 disciplines
Program Dates: Varies
Application Deadline: Typically, October
Eligibility: Artists ages 15–18 or in grades 10–12 based in the U.S.
The YoungArts National Arts Competition is one of the most selective and comprehensive programs for high school artists across visual, literary, and performing disciplines. You apply in a specific category, such as visual arts, photography, design, or writing, and submit a portfolio that undergoes multiple rounds of evaluation by discipline-specific panels of professional artists. The application process itself is designed to help you formally identify and present yourself as an artist, making it a strong milestone in building a serious creative profile. Upon selection, you gain access to mentorship, exhibitions, performances, and professional development opportunities. A distinguishing feature is the long-term support system, including access to grants, residencies, and a private artist network.
3. Congressional Art Competition (Artistic Discovery Contest)
Location: United States (district-level; winners exhibited at the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: One winner per congressional district (nationwide participation)
Program Dates: Spring competition cycle; national events held in June
Application Deadline: Varies by district (typically April–May)
Eligibility: High school students residing in participating U.S. congressional districts
The Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide visual arts contest sponsored by members of the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize artistic talent at the district level. You submit your artwork through your local representative’s office, where a panel of artists selects a district winner. Since its launch in 1982, over 650,000 students have participated, making it one of the most widely accessible art competitions in the U.S. Winning entries are displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol, and winners are invited to a recognition ceremony in Washington, D.C. The process requires you to follow district-specific submission guidelines, including completing a student release form and meeting local deadlines.
4. Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest
Location: International (online submissions)
Cost/Stipend: Free; cash awards up to $1,000
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive global pool; thousands of participants worldwide
Program Dates: Annual contest cycle
Application Deadline: June 8
Eligibility: Students ages 11–18 worldwide (Junior: 11–14 | Senior: 15–18)
The Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest is a global creative competition that invites you to explore environmental issues through art and storytelling. The 2026 theme, “Your Story, Our Ocean,” asks you to reflect on how the ocean sustains, protects, and inspires your life and community. You can submit work across multiple categories, including visual art (handcrafted or digital), writing, film, performing arts, and multimedia. A key requirement is to connect your work to environmental themes, often supported by a clear narrative or conceptual explanation. You may also participate individually or as part of a group, with an adult sponsor required for submission
5. ARTEFFECT Student Art Competition
Location: Online; exhibitions in Kansas and Washington, D.C.)
Cost/Stipend: Free; cash prizes totaling $35,000+
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive global pool; thousands of participants from 40+ countries
Program Dates: October – June
Application Deadline: April 21
Eligibility: Students in grades 6–12 worldwide
The ARTEFFECT Student Art Competition invites you to create original artwork inspired by “Unsung Heroes”—individuals who have made meaningful contributions but remain underrecognized. Along with your artwork, you are required to submit a 500–1,000-word Impact Statement explaining your chosen figure, your creative process, and how you plan to share your work with others. You can work across a wide range of mediums, including painting, digital art, sculpture, textiles, and mixed media, with no size restrictions. The competition emphasizes both artistic quality and conceptual depth, particularly how effectively you communicate the story and impact of your subject. Selected finalists and winners are featured online and may have their work exhibited in galleries associated with the Lowell Milken Center.
6. Science Without Borders® Challenge
Location: International (online submission)
Cost/Stipend: Free; scholarships up to $500
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive global pool
Program Dates: Annual contest cycle
Application Deadline: March 2
Eligibility: Students ages 11–19 enrolled in primary or secondary school
The Science Without Borders® Challenge is an international art competition that combines creativity with ocean science and conservation awareness. Each year, you are asked to create original artwork based on a scientific theme, in 2026, the focus was “Microscopic Marine Life,” highlighting the role of tiny marine organisms in sustaining ocean ecosystems. Submissions must be original, hand-created 2D artwork, such as drawings or paintings, that clearly communicate the scientific concept behind the theme. Your work is judged in age-based categories, and top entries receive scholarships and recognition at the international level. You may also be required to submit your original artwork if selected as a finalist, so attention to quality and presentation is important.
7. Sony World Photography Awards – Youth Competition
Location: International (online submission; exhibition in London)
Cost/Stipend: Free; prizes include Sony digital imaging equipment and global exposure
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Shortlist of ~9 photographers
Program Dates: June – January (submission period); winners announced April
Application Deadline: January 6
Eligibility: Photographers aged 19 and under
The Sony World Photography Awards – Youth Competition is one of the most recognized global photography contests for young artists. You can submit up to three images for an annual theme, with judging focused on a single standout photograph rather than a full portfolio. Entries are evaluated for creativity, technical execution, and their effectiveness in interpreting the theme. A shortlist of around 10 photographers is selected, and one is awarded the Youth Photographer of the Year title. Shortlisted work may be exhibited in London, featured in the official awards book, and promoted globally. You may also receive invitations to the awards ceremony, as well as equipment prizes and media exposure.
8. National PTA Reflections Program
Location: United States region-wise
Cost/Stipend: Free (through participating PTA units)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Large participation pool
Program Dates: Annual cycle; winners announced in May
Application Deadline: Varies by local/state PTA
Eligibility: Students in Pre-K through grade 12 (high school division: grades 9–12)
The National PTA Reflections Program is a long-standing arts competition that encourages you to create original work based on an annual theme. Each year, students across the U.S. submit entries in categories such as visual arts, photography, film production, music composition, dance choreography, and literature. You typically begin at your school or local PTA level, with winning entries advancing through district, state, and national rounds. The program emphasizes creativity, personal expression, and interpretation of the theme rather than purely technical skill. Because of its structured progression, you can gain recognition at multiple levels even before reaching national judging
9. Celebrating Art Contest
Location: United States (online submission)
Cost/Stipend: Free; awards include art supplies, books, and recognition
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Broad participation; thousands of students across 59,000+ schools
Program Dates: Multiple contests held annually (Spring, Summer, Fall)
Application Deadline: May 15 (Spring cycle; varies for other cycles)
Eligibility: K–12 students in the U.S. (including high school division)
The Celebrating Art Contest is a student-focused competition that gives you the opportunity to have your artwork published in a professionally produced book. You submit original artwork, and selected entries are published, allowing you to become a published artist at a relatively early stage. The competition is divided by grade level, so your work is evaluated within an appropriate peer group. In addition to publication, some entries receive awards, such as art supplies and recognition for both students and teachers. The submission process is straightforward, making it accessible if you are new to competitions or building your first portfolio pieces.
10. IGFA Fish Art Conservation Award
Location: International (online submission; U.S.-based organization)
Cost/Stipend: Free; awards include prize packs and recognition
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive; 4,000+ entries from 40+ countries
Program Dates: Annual contest cycle
Application Deadline: Typically February–March (varies by year)
Eligibility: K–12 students worldwide
The IGFA Fish Art Conservation Award is a special category within the Wildlife Forever Fish Art Contest, designed to promote awareness of fish conservation and aquatic ecosystems. In this competition, you create an original illustration of a fish species along with a one-page creative writing piece explaining its ecological importance. Each year includes a “theme species,” such as billfish, encouraging you to research and highlight lesser-known or understudied aquatic life. Your submission is evaluated on both artistic quality and the effectiveness with which you communicate conservation ideas through your artwork and writing. Participants compete for state, national, and international recognition, as well as specialty awards and publication opportunities.
11. SAVE THE FROGS! Art Contest
Location: International (online submission)
Cost/Stipend: Free; prizes include cash awards and recognition
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Open entry; thousands of participants from 70+ countries
Program Dates: Year-round submissions; annual judging cycle
Application Deadline: November 1
Eligibility: Open to all ages worldwide (including high school students)
The SAVE THE FROGS! Art Contest is a global conservation-focused competition that encourages you to create artwork centered on amphibians and environmental awareness. You can submit up to three original pieces, which must clearly reference frog conservation through themes or required text elements like “SAVE THE FROGS!” The contest accepts a wide range of artistic styles, including hand-drawn and digital work, but excludes photography-based entries. Your artwork may be featured on educational materials such as posters, T-shirts, and publications to support conservation efforts. Winners receive cash prizes, recognition, and opportunities for their work to be shared globally.
12. All American High School Film Festival (AAHSFF)
Location: New York City, USA (AMC Empire 25 Theaters, Kings Theatre, Hilton Midtown, and other venues)
Cost/Stipend: Submission fees vary; estimated attendance cost ~$1,300
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive international pool
Program Dates: October 16–18 (tentative)
Application Deadline: Typically July–August (varies by submission category)
Eligibility: High school students worldwide
The All-American High School Film Festival (AAHSFF) is one of the largest student film festivals globally, offering you the opportunity to showcase your work in a professional cinematic setting. You submit original films across categories such as narrative, documentary, animation, and experimental media, with selected entries screened at major venues in New York City. The festival includes screenings, workshops, panel discussions, and networking events with industry professionals, giving you exposure to real-world filmmaking practices. You also gain access to college fairs, technology showcases, and opportunities to connect with peers who share similar creative interests. Chosen films are presented to a live audience and awarded, including recognition at the Teen Indie Awards.
13. Doodle for Google
Location: United States (online or mail-in submission; national contest)
Cost/Stipend: Free; scholarships up to $45,000 + $50,000 school tech package
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive national pool; 5 finalists selected
Program Dates: Annual contest cycle
Application Deadline: Typically December (e.g., mid-December)
Eligibility: K–12 students enrolled in U.S.-based schools
Doodle for Google is a widely recognized national art competition where you design your own version of the Google homepage logo based on an annual theme. You create an original 2D artwork along with a short written explanation describing your idea and how it connects to the theme. Submissions are judged on artistic merit, creativity, and how effectively you communicate your concept. Five finalists are selected and receive scholarships, with the national winner earning a college scholarship and having their artwork featured on Google.com. You may use a wide range of materials, including traditional and digital media, but the final submission must be your original work.
14. International Art Competition (Theme-Based Global Contest)
Location: International (online submission)
Cost/Stipend: Free
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive global participation
Program Dates: Annual competition cycle
Application Deadline: Varies by year
Eligibility: School students worldwide (typically middle and high school)
This International Art Competition invites you to create original artwork responding to global themes such as conflict, emotional well-being, and social challenges. You are encouraged to explore complex topics—like war, crisis, and mental health—through a creative lens, using art as a medium for reflection and expression.Submissions are judged on how effectively you communicate your ideas, along with originality and artistic execution. The competition also provides supporting resources to help you research and understand the issues you are addressing, making it both creative and educational. Winning entries are showcased publicly, giving you visibility in an international context.
15. K12 National Art Competition
Location: United States (online submission)
Cost/Stipend: No costs; cash prizes up to $250 per category; $50 for fan favorites selected based on public voting
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Broad national participation; winners selected per grade level
Program Dates: February – September (submission to winner announcement cycle)
Application Deadline: June 1
Eligibility: K–12 students in the United States
The K12 National Art Competition is a long-running national contest that invites you to showcase your creativity through original artwork in both physical and digital formats. You can submit work across mediums such as painting, drawing, sculpture, collage, or digital illustration, depending on how you choose to express your ideas. Entries are judged within grade-level categories, ensuring that your work is evaluated alongside peers at a similar stage. If selected as a finalist, you may also need to submit a short video explaining your creative process and inspiration. The competition includes both judge-selected awards and public voting, giving you multiple ways to gain recognition.
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Questions Students Often Ask About These Programs
1. I've never entered a competition before. Which ones on this list are the best starting points?
The Congressional Art Competition and National PTA Reflections Program are two of the most accessible entry points, since both have open or broad eligibility with no fee, operate through local school or district channels, and evaluate you within a local peer group before advancing to national rounds. The Celebrating Art Contest and K12 National Art Competition are similarly beginner-friendly, with straightforward submission processes and grade-level judging. If you already have a completed piece you're proud of, the Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest and SAVE THE FROGS! Contest both accept a wide range of styles and are completely free to enter internationally.
2. Several competitions require a written component alongside the artwork. How important is that part?
It's genuinely important, not just a formality. Competitions like ARTEFFECT (which requires a 500 to 1,000 word Impact Statement), Bow Seat, and the IGFA Fish Art Contest are specifically looking at how well you connect your creative choices to a broader idea or theme, so a vague or generic written piece can weaken an otherwise strong artwork. Think of the written component as your opportunity to explain your intent, which is exactly what art school admissions processes and professional portfolio reviews also ask for. Practicing this kind of writing in a competition context builds a skill you'll use throughout your creative career.
3. Do art competition wins actually help college applications?
Yes, particularly for students applying to art, design, film, or communications programs, where demonstrated creative output is directly relevant. Scholastic Awards, YoungArts, and Sony World Photography Awards are well-recognised by admissions officers at major art schools and universities with strong creative programs. Even competitions that aren't widely known by name signal initiative and process-oriented thinking when you can speak to the experience specifically in an essay or interview. The strongest applications tend to combine a competition entry with a strong portfolio and an artist statement, which is why competitions that require written components are especially useful preparation.