Selective
ARTEFFECT Student Visual Arts Summer Competition
Overview
A free, juried national visual arts competition for high school students to create original artwork inspired by Unsung Heroes who were innovators. Students submit visual art in any medium along with a reflective 500–1,000 word Impact Statement and documentation of their creative process.
At a glance
Deadline
Sep 15308 days
Sessions
May
Formats
Online
Location
Online
Cost
Free
Entering grades
9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Acceptance
Juried competition with panel of experts in art education, art history, design, fine arts, and museums.
Application requirements
Original Artwork
Visual art in any medium (painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, collage, mixed media, digital art, installation, textiles, 2D and 3D media) focused on one approved Unsung Hero from the Innovation Generation list.
Impact Statement
500–1,000 word reflective essay addressing four specific prompts.
Process Documentation
At least three in-process photographs documenting artwork creation.
Consent Form
Signed consent form required.
Submission Materials
High-resolution images of artwork and completed online submission form via Submittable.
Student Work
Artwork must be entirely student-produced; no AI tools permitted at any stage. Group projects ineligible.
Cost & sessions
Free to enter; over $20,000 in total prizes available (Grand Prize $3,000, Best in Show $2,000, First Place $1,500, Second Place $1,000, Spotlight Prizes $1,000 each, Certificates of Excellence $750 each).
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