2026 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH ART CONTEST
2026 International Youth Art Contest Exhibition
Second Round registration for the 2026 International Youth Art Contest is now closed. Thank you to all selected artists who completed their registration.
The Second Round exhibition will be open to the public at the International Art Museum of America from July 18 through August 2, 2026.
Registered Second Round participants will receive important ceremony and event updates directly by email. Please check your inbox and spam folder regularly.
For questions, please contact us at international.youth.art@internationalartmuseum.org
Featuring the Zynga Award for Digital Art 2026 and an exclusive Zynga-led masterclass on game design and creative careers.
The International Youth Art Contest 2026 invites young artists from around the world to submit original artworks for professional review and exhibition at the International Art Museum of America in San Francisco.
Building on the success of past years with 1,600+ artists and 3,800+ artworks from over 65 countries, the contest celebrates creativity, technical skill, and artistic voice across a wide range of media. Selected artworks will be featured in online and in-person exhibitions, with an awards ceremony held during the exhibition period.
The Award Ceremony will be presented by Mr. Guy Djoken, Executive Director of the UNESCO Center for Peace in Washington, D.C., with professional insights and remarks delivered by Prof. Adam Caldwell—Chair of the Jury Committee and faculty member at the Academy of Art University, San Francisco.
How the Selection Process Works
Round 1: Online Submission and Artwork Review
Students submit their profile information and 1–5 digital images of original artworks for jury review.
- There will be a Non-Refundable $10 First Round Registration and Artwork Review Fee
- This will cover submission intake, jury coordination, communications, and administrative processing costs
- Paid once per submission (up to 5 digital artworks)
Based on jury panel evaluation, qualified people will be notified to advance to the second round
Round 2: In-Person Exhibition and Awards
- Artworks that have scored in the top 30% from Round 1 will be invited to submit their physical artworks to the International Art Museum of America for 2nd round scoring. All physically submitted artworks will be exhibited.
Awards
- All participants will be divided into four age groups: 5-6, 7-10, 11-14, and 15-18.
- All second-round entries will be awarded exhibition certificates.
- There will be one first-place winner in each age group, the winner receive an award certificate and a cash prize of $300.
- There will be two second-place winners in each age group, each winner will receive an award certificate and a cash prize of $200.
- There will be three third-place winners in each age group, each winner will receive an award certificate and a cash prize of $100.
- 10 Honorary Mentions in each age group will receive Young Artist Awards as well as a Blick gift card
- Zynga Award for Digital Art 2026 – Recognizing outstanding achievement in digital art.
Size Limit, Shipping and Handling Fee
- The maximum size of the artwork is 18″ x 24″ (45 cm x 60 cm).
- Artwork in paper format doesn’t need to be framed. IAMA will provide frame rental and installation services (included in the registration fee).
- All artworks will be returned to participants. Return shipment fees will be based on your country of submission and be prepaid.
- U.S. participants: flat $25 per painting.
- International participants: responsible for applicable international shipping rates.
- Please consider the size and weight of your artwork, as these can significantly increase return costs. We are working with third‑party shippers to help reduce fees. Submitting artwork framed or on canvas will result in notably higher return shipping charges.
Award Ceremony & Livestream
- The 2026 International Youth Art Contest Award Ceremony will take place on:
- Sunday, July 19, 2026
- 1:00–4:00 PM Pacific Time
- In-person attendance is limited to registered Second Round participants and their confirmed guests. Because attendance is expected to be high, participants should review the event information sent directly to them by email.
- The ceremony will also be livestreamed on the IAMA YouTube channel for artists, families, and supporters who are unable to attend in person. Additional livestream details will be shared closer to the event.
Plan Your Visit
Please note that IAMA does not have a dedicated parking lot. Below is parking and public transportation information to help you plan your visit.
Nearby Parking Garages
6×6 Garage
440 Stevenson St.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM–11:00 PM; Saturday–Sunday, 7:00 AM–11:00 PM
Trinity Place Garage
33 8th St.
Hours: Monday–Sunday, 5:30 AM–11:30 PM
SOMA Grand Garage
1160 Mission St.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 5:00 AM–12:00 AM; Saturday, 8:30 AM–12:00 AM; Sunday, 10:30 AM–6:00 PM
Fifth & Mission / Yerba Buena Parking Garage
833 Mission St.
Hours: 24/7
Public Transportation
If traveling by Muni, exit at Market + 6th Street. Routes served include: 5, 5R, 6, 7, 9, 9R, F, N, K, L, and select OWL Bus lines.
If traveling by BART or Muni Metro, exit at Civic Center/UN Plaza and walk about one block to the museum.
For any questions, please email international.youth.art@internationalartmuseum.org
SPONSORS
In the News
Our 2026 International Youth Art Contest has been featured by major media outlets: