Visual Arts
Spoken Word
Innovation
Visual Arts
RULES & GUIDELINES:
Open to all high school students in the USA
Entries may include painting, drawing, etching, digital art, photography or mixed media
Deadline: January 11, 2027
Submissions must include:
- High resolution image of the artwork
- Caption describing how it relates to the theme
- Video presenting what inspired their artwork
Deadline: January 11, 2027
AWARDS
- First Place: $500
- Second Place: $300
- Third Place: $200
JUDGING CRITERIA
- Illustration of the theme
- Creativity and originality
- Technique
- Overall Presentation
Need Inspiration? See Past Visual Art Winners:
All submissions will become the property of the Aga Khan Foundation USA, and in addition to planned exhibitions, may be displayed publicly (e.g. AKFUSA website, social media, and at sponsored events).
Spoken Word
RULES & GUIDELINES:
Open to all high school students in the USA
Entries may include creative writing, poetry, short stories, song lyrics, monologue, etc.
Deadline: January 11, 2027
Submissions must include:
- Video presentation by the participant
- Document containing the script
- Short caption on what inspired their piece
Deadline: January 11, 2027
AWARDS
- First Place: $500
- Second Place: $300
- Third Place: $200
JUDGING CRITERIA
- Illustration of the theme
- Creativity and originality
- Technique
- Overall Presentation
Need Inspiration? See Past Spoken Word Winners:
All submissions will become the property of the Aga Khan Foundation USA, and in addition to planned exhibitions, may be displayed publicly (e.g. AKFUSA website, social media, and at sponsored events).
Innovation
RULES & GUIDELINES:
Open to all high school students in the USA
Teams of 2 or more participants
Entries must assess a real-world issue faced by a community in need
Deadline: March 1st, 2027
Entries must assess a real-world issue faced by a community in need
Deadline: March 1st, 2027
Entries must include:
- 5–7-minute video and slide presentation submitted electronically
Deadline: March 1st, 2027
Final on-site team presentation to a panel of judges will be held at the Youth Festival in Dallas, TX, in the spring of 2027.
AWARDS
- First Place: $500
- Second Place: $300
- Third Place: $200
JUDGING CRITERIA
- Originality of idea
- Impact on the community
- Implementation feasibility
- Sustainability
- Overall presentation
All submissions will become the property of the Aga Khan Foundation USA, and in addition to planned exhibitions, may be displayed publicly (e.g. AKFUSA website, social media, and at sponsored events).
