Hosted by ECU Extended Learning
Artist: Hayoon Kwon, Winner of the Teen Art Contest (Senior Teens Category 2026)
ECU is celebrating the creativity, imagination and innovation of young artists. This is your chance to dream big, explore new ideas and show how art can spark bold possibilities.
Theme: “Where curiosity + bold creative thinking meet.”
We invite you to submit up to three art pieces that reflect your artistic journey and show where you’ve experimented and taken risks.
The theme invites you to celebrate your creativity, share your unique perspectives and demonstrate how art can inspire others and make a meaningful impact. You are encouraged to combine curiosity and imaginative thinking to create work that is expressive, thoughtful and truly your own.
Grand Prizes
The work of all Grand Prize and Honourable Mention recipients will be featured on the Emily Carr University website.
Teachers can recommend their students to submit entries to the contest.
- The teacher who recommends a Grand Prize winner in either category will receive complimentary registration in one Continuing Studies adult individual course of their choice.
Eligibility
Participants must be:
- A resident of Canada and currently attending a recognized Canadian high school in Grades 7 to 12 during the academic year beginning September 2026
- 13 – 15 years of age or have completed Grade 7 by July 1, 2027, to be eligible for the Junior Teens Category
- 16 – 18 years of age or have completed Grade 10 by July 1, 2027, to be eligible for the Senior Teens Category
- Under the age of 19 as of July 31, 2027
What You will Need to Provide
Each student submission must include:
- A completed application, including the student’s name, school and grade
- One high-resolution photograph and/or media file for each artwork
- Artwork in any medium, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, design, ceramics, digital media, 2D or 3D animation and short film clips. See our tips on photographing and editing your artwork for guidance on preparing your work for submission
- An artist statement of up to 200 words describing the artwork and its meaning
- Consent to the Contest Terms + Conditions and release of media for ECU use
Optional Teacher Recommendation
Students may also include a recommendation letter from a teacher. Teachers should:
- Explain why the student is deserving of the scholarship in 300 words or less
- Include their first and last name, school name and email address.
Contest closes January 13, 2027, at 5:00 pm (PCT).
How to Enter
- Click on Submit Entry button on the right side of this page
- Follow the instructions on the form
- Upload the artwork file and provide artist statements, and optional teacher recommendation letter
- Provide teen and guardian consents
Contest closes on January 13, 2027, 5:00pm (PCT). Winners will be notified by mid-February 2027.
Questions?
Email teens@ecuad.ca
Contest Rules
Please download to read and understand the full Terms + Conditions for the Contest.