Atlantic Youth Art Festival
2026 Theme | Connections
How We Connect with People · Nature · Culture · the World
An international youth art exhibition that celebrates creativity, imagination, and interdisciplinary thinking.
Follow Us on InstagramAn International Youth Art Exhibition
Venue: Craft Nova Scotia, Halifax, Canada
Thank you to all young artists who shared their creativity and voices with AYAF 2026.
Stay connected with us for exhibition updates, award announcements, and future opportunities.
Follow Us on Instagram“We believe creativity extends beyond artistic skill. It is a way of thinking that helps us understand our communities, our environment, and our place in the world.”
Interdisciplinary Thinking
Young artists are invited to explore the many ways we connect. We encourage participants to think beyond traditional artistic boundaries and explore connections between:
Eligibility & Accepted Artwork
| Who Can Participate? | |
|---|---|
| The Festival is open to young artists worldwide. Participants should enter the age division corresponding to their age on the submission deadline. | |
| Age Divisions |
Group A: Ages 7–10 Group B: Ages 11–14 Group C: Ages 15–18 |
Artwork Requirements Checklist
All submitted artwork must:
| Accepted Mediums (2D Only) | |
|---|---|
| The 2026 International Youth Art Exhibition accepts original hand-created two-dimensional artwork (Drawing, Painting, Illustration, Mixed Media). Artwork may be created on paper, illustration board, canvas, or other flat surfaces suitable for exhibition. | |
| Accepted Materials | Pencil Colored Pencil Charcoal Ink Watercolor Gouache Acrylic Oil Pastel Soft Pastel Mixed Media (2D) |
| Not Accepted for Exhibition Awards | Digital Art Photography Sculpture Ceramics Installation Art Video or Animation AI-generated Artwork 3D Artwork *These formats may be featured separately in the Emerging Creators Showcase, but are not eligible for exhibition awards. |
How to Enter
Explore the Theme
Consider the connections that shape your life and your world. Ask yourself:
- What relationships are most important to you?
- How do people connect with nature?
- How does culture shape identity?
- What invisible connections influence our daily lives?
- How can stronger connections create a better future?
Create Your Artwork
Create an original artwork inspired by:
Connections: How We Connect with People · Nature · Culture · the World
Choose a medium that best communicates your ideas and artistic voice.
Submit
All entries must be submitted electronically through the Festival submission portal below. Each participant may submit up to 3 artworks.
- Artwork Image: JPG or PNG, Max 10MB, Min 1500px on the longest side.
- Artwork Info: Title, Medium, Dimensions, Year.
- Artist Statement: Max 200 words explaining the connection.
ENTRIES CLOSED
Thank you for your interest in the Atlantic Youth Art Festival 2026.
The submission period for AYAF 2026 has now closed.
Thank you to all young artists who shared their creativity, stories, and visions with us.
Stay connected with AYAF for exhibition updates, award announcements, and future opportunities.
Meet Our Juror
Leah Noonan
Leah Noonan is a retired early childhood educator. She worked with young children for 40 years and loved every minute of it. Leah enjoys a slower pace of life now but likes to stay connected to her friends, former colleagues and former students. She values community and her multigenerational relationships.
Judging Criteria
All entries will be reviewed anonymously by a panel of artists, educators, designers, and community leaders. Our jurors evaluate:
- Theme Interpretation: How effectively the artwork explores the annual theme.
- Creativity & Originality: Fresh ideas and unique perspectives.
- Artistic Expression: Visual communication, storytelling, and emotional impact.
- Technical Skill: Craftsmanship and thoughtful use of materials.
- Depth of Thought: Evidence of reflection, curiosity, observation, or interdisciplinary thinking.
What Makes a Strong Submission?
The jury is not only looking for technical skill. Strong submissions often demonstrate original thinking, meaningful connections to the theme, personal voice and storytelling, and emotional impact.
Awards & Exhibition
The Festival recognizes creativity, curiosity, and meaningful artistic exploration. Awards are determined within each age division:
Exhibition Invitation & Shipping
All artists will receive an official invitation to exhibit their artwork at the inaugural Atlantic Youth Art Festival in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Artists invited for exhibition will be asked to mail their original artwork to Halifax. Participants are responsible for secure packaging, shipping costs, and meeting deadlines. The art works will not be returned; return options and instructions will be provided prior to the exhibition.
Emerging Creators Showcase
Presented by Designated Organization(s). In addition to the Exhibition, the Festival will feature a special showcase highlighting innovative youth projects in: Digital Art, 3D Design & Printing, Architecture Concepts, Art & Technology, Creative Innovation.
This non-juried showcase celebrates how creativity can connect art, design, technology, and future possibilities.
Copyright & Permissions
Artists retain full copyright ownership of their work. By submitting artwork, participants grant the Festival permission to:
• Display artwork during the exhibition
• Publish artwork on Festival websites and social media
• Include artwork in publications and promotional materials
• Use artwork for educational and non-commercial purposes
Artists will always be credited for their work.
Come and join us!
More than an exhibition, the Festival is a platform for young people to share their perspectives, develop interdisciplinary thinking, and connect with a global community of creators. 🌍✨