American Art Competitions

CELEBRATINGART

CelebratingArt seeks to motivate and reward children by having them enter the CelebratingArt contest for the chance to have their work published in a book. Paintings, computer art, sculptures or drawings by any student from grades K-12 in the USA may be entered in the competition. 10 winners from each grade group (K-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12) and their art teachers will share over US$5000 in prizes. Winning works will be compiled in a full-colour, hardback book that will be available for purchase. All winners win a free copy of the art book. 

CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION

The Congressional Institute provides educational material on Congress to the public. They sponsor an annual visual arts competition for high school students in hopes of encouraging artistic talent across the United States, in each congressional district. The competition is open to high school students only, in grades 10-12, enrolled in schools in the United States. Paintings, drawings, collages, prints, mixed media works, computer-generated art and photographs are accepted for judging. Winning works are exhibited for one year.

DESIGNING FOR THE FUTURE

This competition is sponsored by the Ford Motor Company Fund and Lawrence Technological University. Graduates from Lawrence Technological University’s Transportation Design and Industrial Design programme have a 100% placement in the industry, with offers from large companies such as Ford, VW and Nissan. High school seniors in the United states who are interested in enrolling in these courses straight after high school are encouraged to enter. The creative brief requires applicants to design either a small sport utility vehicle or related products that reflect the traditional aesthetic of the classic Ford Bronco. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizewinners are awarded US$52,000, US$40,000 and US$24,000 scholarships toward their chosen programme at Lawrence Technological University.

HIGH SCHOOL ART COMPETITION

Hosted by the Juanita and Ralph Harvey School of Visual Arts at Midwestern State University, the High School Art Competition is open to all students enrolled in regional high schools in Texas. Participants do not need to be enrolled in an art class. There is no entry fee and submitted work can be from any of the following categories: ceramics, drawing, computer graphics, sculpture, photography, printmaking, painting or mixed media. A maximum of fifteen two-dimensional works and five three-dimensional works can be entered into the competition per applicant. Commendable works are eligible to win cash awards totaling US$1,400. Scholarships in the amount of US$4,000 are also awarded to high school seniors wishing to major in Art at Midwestern State University. 

MYSTERY BUILD

The unique Mystery Build competition invites participants to create a work of art using a Mystery Build Kit, without knowing what will be included inside. It combines resourcefulness and puzzle solving with art to showcase creative talent and skill. In addition to the kit, participants may also use liquids such as paint or glue to create their masterpiece. Outstanding entries compete to win over US$21,000 in cash prizes. The purchase of a Mystery Build Kit also includes entry to the competition and access to online tutorials and videos. 
Entries are unlimited and can be made individually or as a team. The competition is open anyone in the USA or Canada.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC STUDENT PHOTO CONTEST

Sponsored by the National Geographic, this annual photography competition is open to legal residents of the United States in grades 9-12. Entrants must submit an original photograph that encompasses what exploration or adventure means to them, along with a short description (100 words or less) explaining this. Each entrant is eligible to submit up to five photographs for judging. The Grand Prize winner has the option of an all-inclusive trip to Paris, London, Prague or San Francisco for a National Geographic Student Expedition Photography Workshop. The value of this prize is estimated to be US$7,000. The 2nd and 3rd place prizewinners receive a $250 and $100 gift certificate to the National Geographic online store. Applications are judged on photographic quality (50%), how well the photograph conveys a sense of exploration or adventure (25%) and the quality of the photograph’s description (25%). 

NATIONAL YOUNGARTS FOUNDATION

Each year, the National YoungArts Foundation grants up to US$10,000 in monetary awards, as well as inviting its winners to take part in master classes and courses with world-renowned artists and professionals. Submissions can be entered into the visual, literary, design or performing arts categories. The competition is held annually and is open to students in the USA, aged 15-18 (or in grades 10-12). International students who are studying in the USA on a student visa are also eligible to apply. Application to YoungArts requires an online submission and audition tape or portfolio. Applications cost US$35 per category. Applicants are eligible to submit in more than one discipline or category. 

SCHOLASTIC ART & WRITING AWARDS

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards was launched in 1923 and has become the largest source of scholarships for young, creative students in the United States. Winners of the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards that have gone on to become icons in their respected fields include Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath and Stephen King. Students enrolled in schools across the United States and Canada in grades 7 through to 12 can apply. There are a total of 28 art and writing categories to enter. Scholastic partners with over 100 visual and literary arts organisations each year to award students and their schools with over US$250,000 in prizes and scholarships. There are opportunities for submitted works to be published in Scholastic publications including the National Catalog and The Best Teen Writing, which are distributed to schools and libraries nationwide.

TAKE A SHOT AT CHANGING THE WORLD CONTEST

The Take a Shot at Changing the World competition invites students to find big ideas that can create change in the world. Applicants must make a movie about their big idea, including what changes should be made and what issues need to be addressed in their community, school or neighbourhood. Exceptional submissions and ideas will receive cash prizes of US$1,000-US$3,000. The competition is only available to students in grades 6-12, attending public or private schools within Pennsylvania, USA. 

THE BERKS PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY HIGH SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

The Berks Photographic Society is a charitable organization that supports amateur and professional photographers in their creative pursuits. Each year, they sponsor the High School Photography Competition, inviting students in grades 10-12 from Berks County, USA, to pick up their cameras and take part. Photographic work of any theme can be submitted for judging. Scholarships are awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizewinners and all submitted entries are publicly exhibited.