Teen Art Contest

Hosted by ECU Continuing Studies

Artist: Selina Chen, SIT Illustration Studio

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.  

In recognition of Emily Carr University’s 100th anniversary, this year’s contest carries a special theme: “Where curiosity + bold creative thinking meet.” 

We invite all teens to submit individual art pieces that reflect your artistic journey where you have experimented, taken risks, and created artworks that matter. 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 

  • Junior Teen Category: 1 full tuition scholarship to the Junior Art Institute 2026, recognition as Teen Art Contest Winner, artwork featured 

  • Senior Teen Category: 1 full tuition scholarship to the Summer Institute for Teens 2026, recognition as Teen Art Contest Winner, artwork featured  

Selected students’ first and last names, along with their artworks, may be featured on the Summer Teens Squarespace website, ECU’s website, social media, catalogues, exhibitions, and promotional materials.

The teacher who recommends the grand prize winner for either the Junior or Senior Teens Category will receive one Continuing Studies adult individual course of their choice.     

Eligibility

  • Open to all future and current ECU Continuing Studies teens.

  • Entrants must be under the age of 19 as of July 1, 2026. 

  • Open to Canadian residents enrolled in a school (Grade 7 to Grade 12). 

  • To be eligible for the Junior Teens Category, participants must be 13 - 15 years of age or have completed Grade 7 by July 1, 2026. 

  • To be eligible for the Senior Teens Category, participants must be 16 - 18 years of age or have completed Grade 10 by July 1, 2026. 

What You will Need to Provide

  • Follow instructions on the online form to submit entry. 

  • Submit one high-resolution photographic and/or media files (View Terms + Conditions for details and specifications) of original and finished artwork. Refer to our PDF tip sheet for suggestions.

  • One artist statement (max 200 words); include a description and meaning of the work

  • Optional: One teacher recommendation letter (max 300 words)

  • Consenting to terms + conditions and release of media for ECU use 

Maximum three (3) entries per student. Please download to read and understand the full Terms + Conditions for the Contest. 

Submit Your Application

  • 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 16, 2026, 11:59pm (Pacific Time). Winners will be notified by mid-February 2026. 

Questions?

Email teens@ecuad.ca

Contest Rules

Please download to read and understand the full Terms + Conditions for the Contest.