CANVAS WITHOUT BORDERS

Submit your entry

Canvas Without Borders is an international art competition dedicated to amplifying youth voices on today’s most pressing global issues.

Hosted by GRASSROOTS NPO, the 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.

We believe art has the power to foster empathy, challenge perspectives, and inspire meaningful dialogue across cultures and borders.

Send submissions to info@grassrootsnpo.org

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.