2026 Youth Art Contest & Exhibition

The Center for Youth Equity (CYE) at Tulane University’s Violence Prevention Institute announces the opening of submissions for its 2026 Youth Art Contest & Exhibition. Now in its fourth year, the contest invites young people to express their viewpoints on issues that shape their lives and communities. CYE believes that youth voices, which are often excluded from discussions of safety, equity, and community must be considered. This annual exhibition elevates those voices through visual art.

The contest is open to individuals ages 11 to 21 as of February 23, 2026, who reside in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, Plaquemines, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, or Tangipahoa Parishes. Tulane University students who lived in these parishes before enrollment are also eligible.

This year’s theme of “DREAMS” asks artists to explore the meaning and power of dreaming. CYE encourages participants to consider questions such as: What does it mean to dream for yourself, your community, or the world? Are dreams visions of a hopeful future, imaginative reflections of the impossible, or grounded interpretations of lived experience? Do they reveal inner worlds rarely shared, or collective wishes for peace, joy, and equality? How might dreams be “radical” in their refusal to accept the limits imposed by society? Artists may interpret the theme in any way meaningful to them.

The deadline for submission is February 23, 2026. The public exhibition and awards ceremony will take place in late March or early April at the New Orleans Healing Center. Awards include a $1,000 Grand Prize and four age-group prizes of $250 each. In previous years, the exhibition has showcased nearly 100 works by young artists from the Greater New Orleans area.

For More info see Link Below

https://violenceprevention.tulane.edu/2025/12/12/center-for-youth-equity-opens-submissions-for-2026-youth-art-contest-exhibition/