Youth Arts & Innovation Competitions
Theme: Inspiring Hope, Changing Lives
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 19th, 2026
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 19th, 2026
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 19th, 2026
Submissions must include:
- Video presentation by the participant
- Document containing the script
- Short caption on what inspired their piece
Deadline: January 19th, 2026
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
Entries must assess a real-world issue faced by a community in need
Entries must include a 5–7-minute video and a slide presentation submitted electronically by March 2nd, 2026
Final on-site team presentation to a panel of judges at the Youth Festival in spring 2026
Final on-site team presentation to a panel of judges at the Youth Festival in spring 2026
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).
