ECU
Teen Art Contest

Created by Mina Rosen Junior Arts Institute Student 2025

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 up to 3 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. 

Prizes

2 Grand Prizes

  • Senior Teens Category: 1 Full Scholarship to the Summer Institute for Teens 2026 + a certificate of award

  • Junior Teens Category: 1 Full Scholarship to the Junior Arts Institute 2026 + a certificate of award

    Teachers can recommend their students to submit entries to the contest.

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

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All students who receive the Grand Prize together with selected entries will have their work featured on our ECU Teens website!

*terms + conditions apply

Eligibility

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

  • Participants must be currently attending a school in Canada

  • 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

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

How to Enter

  • Each student submission must be accompanied by:

    • A completed application, including name, school, and grade

    • One high-resolution photograph and/or media file

      • Artworks may be in any medium (e.g., painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, design, ceramics, digital media, 2D or 3D animation, short film clips)

    • One artist statement that includes the description and meaning of the artwork (max 200 words)

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

    • Optional: You may include a recommendation letter from your teacher

      • Teachers, explain why the student is deserving of the scholarship (300 words max)

      • Include teacher’s first and last name, school name, and email address

  • Consider these tips on how to best photograph and edit your work for submission

  • Contest closes on January 16, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (PST). Winners will be notified by mid-February 2026.

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Terms + Conditions