Submit Your Piece for the Kentucky Regional Young Artists and Authors Showcase!
Sister Cities International is proud to present the 2026 Young Artistsand Authors Showcase, inviting youth from around the world to express their creativity through the theme "Voices of Today, Visions of Tomorrow."
This year’s theme invites young artists and authors to raise their voices during a historic moment as the United States celebrates 250 years since its founding, and Sister Cities International honors 70 years of building global friendships and cultural understanding. It reflects the ongoing journey from the country’s founding ideals toward a more interconnected, peaceful world.
By participating in this inspiring competition, young creators will have the opportunity to share their vision of a world where today’s voices shape tomorrow’s global community. Winning entries will be featured across Sister Cities International’s global network, inspiring people and partnerships around the world.
The World Affairs Council of Kentucky & Southern Indiana will be holding its own local competition of YAAS, which will provide students with the opportunity to compete in the national competition later this year. Furthermore, following the conclusion of the local competition, a gallery-style event will be held to present the best submissions. Local and national competition guidelines will be clearly outlined below.
In-depth guidelines and competition information for each level can be found in the Google Submission Form to the side.
Competition Guidelines
Students must be between 12 and 18 years as of April 1, 2026.
All work must be original.
All work must be based on the theme “Voices of Today, Visions of Tomorrow.”
All submissions should be digital and uploaded to the form on the next page.
Students may submit one (1) piece of art and may not enter submissions into more than one category.
All entries must meet their category's criteria listed below.
All entries must be submitted and received with a completed application by March 1, 2025.
Judges will evaluate submissions based on theme interpretation, originality and creativity, technical skill, and overall impact.
Competition Categories
Category 1 - Digital Art Showcase:
Requirements: Minimum resolution of 1350x1080 px. Moving or animated pieces will not be accepted. Pieces should be created using digital programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Procreate, digital painting platforms, etc.
Submission: Save the final artwork as a .jpg or .png file.
Originality: All artwork must be original and created entirely by the student. AI-generated or AI-assisted work is strictly prohibited and will be automatically disqualified.
Category 2 - Photography Showcase:
Requirements: Only two-dimensional (2-D) works will be accepted.
Digital Edits: Limited digital edits (filters, lighting, color correction, cropping) are permitted, but adding or removing key elements is not allowed. If major edits are applied, submit under the Digital Art category instead.
Submission: High-resolution photo in .jpg or .png format.
Originality: Photographs must be taken by the student and must not include AI-generated or manipulated elements. Any AI use will result in automatic disqualification.
Category 3 - Essay Showcase:
Requirements: Essays may be narrative, reflective, or creative nonfiction. Must be written in English and not exceed 500 words.
Submission: Submit as .pdf or .doc file, including a title.
Originality: All writing must be the student’s original work. AI-generated or AI-assisted writing (including paraphrasing tools) is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification.
Category 4 - Poetry Showcase:
Requirements: Poems may be in any style or form (free verse, rhymed, haiku, etc.) and must be written in English. Maximum 200 words.
Submission: Submit as .pdf or .doc file with a title.
Originality: All poems must be original and written by the student. AI-generated or AI-assisted poetry will result in automatic disqualification.
Category 5 - Original Music:
Requirements: Audio-only submissions; no videos. Maximum length: 4 minutes. Submissions may be instrumental or include lyrics and can be produced using instruments or music software.
Submission: Submit as an MP3 file.
Originality: Music must be original. Covers, reinterpretations, or remixes are not accepted. All compositions must be created entirely by the student. AI-generated or AI-assisted music (melodies, lyrics, or production) is strictly prohibited and will be automatically disqualified.
Local Competition
Prize winners will be announced no later than the week of April 13, 2026.
Two age groups will compete within the local competition: applicants aged 12-14 will compete in one showcase, and those aged 15-18 will compete in another. Both age groups will use this Google form to submit this application. Applicants will be sorted by age based on their birthday.
Local judges will select a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner for each category and age group, and cash prizes will be awarded accordingly.
All artists’ work will be published to the World Affairs Council of Kentucky & Southern Indiana's website and social media.
The top submissions for each category will be entered into Sister Cities International's worldwide competition.
National Competition
Photographs of all artists’ work (in the case of the Musicians Showcase, artists’ names and names of the pieces) will be published to Sister Cities International’s website.
Two separate competitions will be hosted based on age groups. Applicants aged 12-14 will compete in one showcase, while those aged 15-18 will compete in another. In each age group and each art medium, there will be a Grand Prize, 2nd, and 3rd Place Winner.
One artist will be selected as a Grand Prize Winner, 2nd Place Winner, and 3rd Place Winner for each category and cash prizes will be awarded. Grand prize winners in each age group and each art medium will receive a $1,000 prize. Second place winners will receive a $500 prize, and third place winners will be awarded a $250 prize.