Organizer Information
Bow Seat: Creative Action for Conservation is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth worldwide to explore environmental issues through creative expression. Founded with a mission to integrate art, storytelling, and environmental advocacy, Bow Seat runs educational programs, publishes resources, and builds global artistic collections that connect young creatives with climate and ocean conservation work. Its flagship program, the Ocean Awareness Contest, has engaged tens of thousands of students internationally since its launch in 2012, helping them deepen their understanding of ocean health and environmental justice while building creative skills.
Title & Description
Ocean Awareness Contest – Your Story, Our Ocean: How Our Ocean Sustains, Protects, and Inspires Us
The Ocean Awareness Contest is an annual international creative challenge inviting teenage participants to explore and articulate their personal connection to the ocean through artistic, written, performative, and multimedia work. The 2026 theme, Your Story, Our Ocean, encourages entrants to investigate how the ocean sustains life, protects ecosystems and communities, and inspires culture, innovation, and creativity. By submitting work that reflects their experiences and insights, participants contribute to a global dialogue on ocean stewardship, environmental justice, and creative climate action.
Categories
Submissions are accepted in multiple creative disciplines, including:
- Visual Art (Handcrafted & Digital)
- Poetry & Spoken Word
- Creative Writing
- Film
- Performing Arts (Music & Dance)
- Interactive & Multimedia
(This allows students to express their ideas through a range of artistic mediums)
Eligibility
- International: Open to students worldwide.
- Age range: 11–18 years old (Middle & High School or equivalent).
- Divisions:
- Junior Division: Ages 11–14
- Senior Division: Ages 15–18
- Participants must be enrolled in middle or high school during the contest period.
- Students who have started college or university are ineligible.
- Group entries are permitted (all members must meet age eligibility and have an adult sponsor).
- Participants under age 13 require a parent/guardian consent form.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Cash Awards: Prizes of up to $1,000 in various categories.
- Global Exposure: Selected artworks are featured in Bow Seat’s international youth environmental arts collection, exhibitions, publications, and social media campaigns.
- Skill Development: Participants expand creative, critical thinking, and communication skills while engaging in environmental narrative-building.
- Recognition & Opportunities: Past participants may access broader opportunities like Bow Seat internships or participation on the Future Blue Youth Council.
- Portfolio Building: Winners receive certificates and increased visibility for future academic or career opportunities.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Contact information and personal details.
- Their creative work in one of the eligible categories.
- A written reflection explaining the work’s connection to the theme.
- Titles for all submitted pieces.
- Adult Sponsor contact information (required).
- Parent/guardian consent form (for those under 13).
- Works must be original, created within the current academic year, and submitted via Bow Seat’s online platform.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 8 June 2026
Location
Westwood, Massachusetts, United States
Additional Details
- Submissions must be original and created within the 2025–26 school year.
- AI-generated works are not permitted.
- Students may enter one piece per category, up to seven total.
- Winners and sponsors may need to complete eligibility verification post-contest.