CANVAS WITHOUT BORDERS

Submit your entry
Submit your entry

Hosted by Grassroots, a nonprofit organization dedicated to youth development, social impact, and global engagement, our global online art competition invites you to bring your imagination to life under the theme Canvas Without Borders.

This competition invites junior high and high school students worldwide to explore themes of international relations, social justice, refugee experiences, and global identity through artistic expression. Whether you’re a passionate artist or simply love to create, this is your chance to showcase your creativity and share your vision with a wider audience.

🗓️ Timeline:

Submission Period: May 1 - May 31, 2026

Results Announcement: June 22, 2026

🏆 Awards:

Gold Award - $300 Cash Reward

Silver Award - $200 Cash Reward

Bronze Award - $100 Cash Reward

Honorable Mention - Trophy

📩 Submit your work to:

grassrootshouston@gmail.com

Learn more: https://www.grassrootstx.com/competition

Send any further questions to grassrootshouston@gmail.com

Mission

  • Promote global awareness and cross-cultural understanding

  • Encourage youth engagement with social justice and human rights

  • Support young artists as future global citizens and change-makers

  • Provide a platform for diverse and underrepresented voices

Eligibility

  • Open to junior high and high school students worldwide

  • Ages typically 12–18

  • All educational systems accepted

  • Individual or school submissions allowed

Categories

  • Painting

  • Drawing & Illustration

  • Photography

  • Digital Art

  • Mixed Media

  • Sculpture

Themes

  • International Relations & Global Cooperation

  • Social Justice & Human Rights

  • Refugees, Migration & Displacement

  • Cultural Identity & Cross-Cultural Dialogue

  • Global Challenges & Future Visions

Submission Guidelines

  • Maximum 3 entries per participant

  • All works must be original

  • High-resolution digital submissions (JPEG / PNG)

  • Physical works submitted as high-quality images

  • Include title, medium, dimensions, optional artist statement

Awards

  • Gold Award (Highest Distinction)

  • Silver Award

  • Honorable Mention

Judging Criteria

  • Artistic Merit & Technical Skill

  • Originality & Creativity

  • Conceptual Depth & Relevance

  • Emotional & Narrative Impact

Rights & Usage

Artists retain full copyright. Submission grants organizers a non-exclusive, royalty-free license for exhibition, promotion, and publication.

Code of Integrity

Entries will be disqualified if not original, incomplete, or violating ethical/legal standards.