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.
An International Youth Art Exhibition
Age: 7-18 Years
Venue: Craft Nova Scotia, Halifax, Canada
ENTRIES CLOSED
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.
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:
- People and communities
- Nature and the environment
- Culture and identity
- Science and creativity
- Technology and society
- History and the future
- Local experiences and global perspectives
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
- Be the participant’s original work
- Reflect the 2026 theme: Connections
- Be created within the past 12 months
- Be hand-created and two-dimensional (2D)
- Be appropriate for public exhibition
- Not contain copyrighted material owned by others
- Not be generated using artificial intelligence (AI)
Accepted Mediums (2D Only)
The 2026 International Youth Art Exhibition accepts original hand-created two-dimensional artwork, including drawing, painting, illustration, and mixed media.
- Pencil, colored pencil, charcoal, and ink
- Watercolor, gouache, and acrylic
- Oil pastel, soft pastel, and mixed media (2D)
Not Accepted for Exhibition Awards
- Digital art, photography, video, or animation
- Sculpture, ceramics, installation art, or 3D artwork
- AI-generated artwork
These formats may be featured separately in the Emerging Creators Showcase, but are not eligible for exhibition awards.
How to Enter
1. Explore the Theme
Consider the connections that shape your life and your world.
- What relationships are most important to you?
- How do people connect with nature?
- How does culture shape identity?
2. 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.
3. Submit
All entries must be submitted electronically through the Festival submission portal. 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
The submission period for AYAF 2026 has now closed. Thank you to all young artists who shared their creativity, stories, and visions with us.
Meet Our Jurors
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.
Lynn Feng
Lynn Feng is an education consultant and art-driven education practitioner and researcher with nearly 20 years of experience in student development and educational planning. Her work explores how art, creativity, and interdisciplinary learning can support young people in developing stronger thinking, communication, and self-expression.
As the founder of iNovaTree Education Consulting, LinX Creative Art Studio, iCreat Learning Center, and the Atlantic Youth Art Festival, she brings a broad perspective across education, arts, and youth development.
Meng Gao
Meng Gao is a theatre educator and certified Galli Theatre Therapist with over a decade of experience in theatre education, performance, and creative development. Since 2023, he has been developing Galli Theatre programs in Atlantic Canada, including storytelling, children’s theatre, and performance groups.
With more than 2,000 hours of workshops and over 100 performances, he brings extensive experience in creativity, storytelling, expression, and youth development to the AYAF jury.
Jiayi Han
Jiayi Han is an art educator, art therapist, curator, and creative director with over 14 years of experience in the arts. She holds a Master’s degree in Art Education from Academy of Art University in San Francisco and a Bachelor’s degree in Arts Management from Shanghai Theatre Academy.
Her multidisciplinary practice spans art education, art therapy, curating, and creative direction. She values originality, creative thinking, personal expression, and each young artist’s unique voice.
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?
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:
- Excellence Award
- Creativity Award
- Storytelling Award
- Innovation in Thinking
- Community Impact
- Emerging Artist
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.
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 and printing, architecture concepts, art and technology, and 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, and 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.
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