Youth Art Contest
Young people’s voices are too often left out of conversations about safety, equity, and community. The Center for Youth Equity (CYE) at Tulane University’s Violence Prevention Institute believes in the power of youth expression—and the ability of art to spark reflection and change.
Through its annual Youth Art Contest & Exhibition, CYE invites young artists from across the Greater New Orleans area to share their perspectives through visual art. This initiative celebrates youth insight on themes like identity, justice, and belonging, creating space for young people to speak boldly and creatively about the world they live in and the future they envision.
Perception - 2024
What would you say is your identity? And, how do you gain strength from that? How would you depict yourself for the world to see? Or, how does the world see you?
Culture - 2023
How does culture – either in the expressive arts or as traditions of ethnicity and community provide belonging, inspiration, and support?
Liberation - 2022
What makes you feel most free to be yourself? What opportunities do you wish you had? What you do and your family need most to thrive?
2026 Art Contest + Exhibit Details
Eligibility
This contest is open to individuals between the ages of 11 and 21 as of February 23, 2026 who are residents of Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, Plaquemines, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, or Tangipahoa Parishes.. Tulane University students who were residents of these parishes prior to university acceptance are welcome to submit.
2026 Theme - DREAMS
This year, CYE’s youth art contest wants artists to explore their art through the 2026 theme – “DREAMS.” What does it mean to DREAM? And, what do you DREAM for yourself, your community, or the world? Are your dreams aspirational (a vision for the future), fantastical (an imagining of what seems impossible) or realistic (a story to help make sense of things)? Are your dreams an expression of an inner world that you often don’t share or are they wishes for everyone to feel peace, joy, and equality? How are your dreams “radical” in that they express what the world often limits? Artists may interpret the word “DREAMS” in the way that is most meaningful to them.
Content Guidelines
Because this artwork will be displayed in a space for all ages, submissions that include gratuitous profanity, nudity, or violence may not be considered for prizes or exhibition. This content is permitted, but it must have a purpose. Our intention is not to restrict artistic vision, so if you have questions about your subject matter, you are welcome to email us at youthart@tulane.edu.
Medium & Dimensions
Artwork should be in a visual, two-dimensional, fixed medium, and should not exceed 36×36 inches in size. This includes all forms of painting, drawing, photography, and graphic design. Unfortunately, we are unable to display sculpture or video.
Submission Guidelines
You can use this form to submit your artwork with the following information:
- Name, age, school, email address, and phone number
- A 500 character bio
- A 500 character description of submitted work
- Permission, name, and contact information of parent or guardian if under the age of 18
- Artist Release Form
You may also submit artwork and the submission form in-person by appointment to 1440 Canal Street, New Orleans. Please email us at youthart@tulane.edu to schedule a drop-off.
Artwork can be submitted by the individual, a caregiver, or the individual’s teacher with permission of the parent.
Artists may submit only one artwork for consideration; however, that submission can be in multiple parts.
The deadline for submissions is February 23, 2026.
Address
1440 Canal Street, Suite 1510, New Orleans, LA 70112
social media
@tulanevpi