Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about the Festival theme, eligibility, artwork submission, selection process, awards, and exhibition details.
Why “Connections”?
Why did we choose “Connections” as the 2026 Festival Theme?
Connections are at the heart of how we learn, grow, and understand the world. The 2026 theme encourages young artists to explore how we connect with people, nature, culture, and the world around us.
Is this just an art theme?
Not at all. The Festival encourages creativity, curiosity, and interdisciplinary thinking. Art becomes a way to ask questions, share ideas, and discover new perspectives.
What is interdisciplinary thinking?
Interdisciplinary thinking means connecting ideas from different subjects and experiences, such as art and science, culture and identity, or technology and society.
General Information
What is the Atlantic Youth Art Festival?
The Atlantic Youth Art Festival is an international youth art exhibition that celebrates creativity, interdisciplinary thinking, and meaningful connections.
Is this a competition or an exhibition?
The Festival is primarily an international juried exhibition. Selected artworks will be exhibited in Halifax, and outstanding entries may receive Festival Awards.
Who organizes the Festival?
The Festival is organized by Atlantic Youth Arts, Culture & Family Society, a Canadian non-profit organization supporting youth creativity, cultural engagement, and lifelong learning.
Eligibility
Who can participate?
Young artists worldwide aged 7–18 years old are eligible to participate.
Do I need to live in Canada?
No. The Festival welcomes submissions from young artists around the world.
Can homeschooled students participate?
Absolutely. Students from all educational backgrounds are welcome.
Artwork & Submission
What types of artwork are accepted?
The International Youth Art Exhibition accepts original hand-created 2D artwork, including drawing, painting, illustration, and mixed media.
Are digital artworks accepted?
Digital artwork is not eligible for the International Youth Art Exhibition. Selected digital and innovation projects may be featured separately in the Emerging Creators Showcase presented by LinX Creative Art Studio.
Can I use AI-generated images?
No. Artwork must be created by the participant and may not be generated or substantially created using artificial intelligence.
How many artworks can I submit?
Each participant may submit up to three artworks. Each artwork requires a separate submission form and artist statement.
Do I need to write an artist statement?
Yes. All entries must include a short artist statement of 100–300 words explaining the inspiration, ideas, and connection to the annual theme.
Selection & Awards
How are artworks selected?
Entries are reviewed by a jury panel consisting of artists, educators, designers, and community leaders. Judges evaluate theme interpretation, creativity, originality, artistic expression, technical skill, and depth of thought.
What awards are available?
Awards may include Excellence Award, Creativity Award, Storytelling Award, Innovation in Thinking Award, Community Impact Award, and Emerging Artist Award.
Do all selected artworks receive awards?
No. All selected artworks will be exhibited, while a limited number will receive Festival Awards. Being selected for exhibition is itself a significant achievement.
Parents & Educators
Can parents or teachers help students?
Parents, guardians, and educators may provide guidance and encouragement. However, all artwork, ideas, and artist statements must represent the student’s own work.
How does participation benefit students?
The Festival encourages creative thinking, visual communication, research and observation, cultural awareness, interdisciplinary learning, and confidence in sharing ideas.