The International Art Museum of America is pleased to present the second edition of the IAMA Live Youth Art Contest, taking place on October 24–25, 2026.
This special event invites young artists to demonstrate their creativity and artistic abilities in a live museum setting. Selected participants will create an original artwork on-site within a designated time limit and have their work reviewed by a panel of judges.
Event Format and Dates
The contest will take place over two days to accommodate participating artists and provide time for judging, the awards ceremony, and the public exhibition.
Saturday, October 24 — Live Art Competition
Selected artists will be assigned to one of two competition heats. During each heat, participants will come to the museum and create an original artwork on-site within the designated time limit.
The specific time and assignment for each heat will be provided to accepted participants.
Sunday, October 25 — Awards Ceremony and Exhibition Opening
The Awards Ceremony will begin at 12:00 PM, when the contest winners and other recognitions will be announced.
The exhibition featuring the artworks created during the live competition will also open to the public on October 25.
Exhibition
October 25–November 8, 2026
Artworks created during the contest will be displayed at the International Art Museum of America as part of a two-week public exhibition.
Age Groups
Participants will compete within the following age categories:
- Ages 10–12
- Ages 13–15
- Ages 16–18
The applicant’s age group will be determined by their age on the date of the contest.
Application and Selection Process
Participation is subject to a screening process. To apply, please complete the form below and upload one original artwork created by the applicant.
The submitted artwork will be reviewed by the IAMA team to evaluate the applicant’s artistic ability and readiness for the live competition. It is for screening purposes only and does not need to relate to the artwork or theme used during the contest.
Submitting an application does not guarantee participation. Selected artists will receive a separate acceptance email with their competition heat, payment instructions, contest guidelines, and additional event information.
First-Round Application Deadline
September 27, 2026
Applications received after the first-round deadline may only be considered if space remains available.
Contest Format and Guidelines
- Tentative themes will be announced approximately one week before the competition.
- The final theme will be revealed when participants check in on October 24.
- Participants must create their artwork at the museum within the designated time limit. Artwork will be judged based on creativity, technique, interpretation of the theme, and overall presentation.
- Participants must use approved dry-media materials. IAMA will provide tables, chairs, and paper.
- Participants may bring their preferred approved art tools.
Approved dry media may include pencils, colored pencils, markers, crayons, and similar materials. Paint, wet media, and materials requiring drying time will not be permitted unless otherwise announced.
Participation Fee
The total participation fee is $110 per artist.
A $10 application fee is collected when the application is submitted. Applicants who are selected to participate will be required to pay the remaining $100 balance after receiving their acceptance email.
Payment will only be required after an applicant has been selected and formally invited to participate.
Important Dates
Contest Dates: October 24–25, 2026
Location: International Art Museum of America, San Francisco
Detailed Schedule: To be announced
Additional information regarding arrival times, the competition schedule, awards, permitted materials, and guest attendance will be provided to accepted participants.
We look forward to discovering and celebrating the creativity of the next generation of artists.