Organizer Information
Who’s With Us – Teen Art Awards / Global Youth Arts Initiative is an international youth-focused arts platform designed to support creative expression among teenagers aged 13–17. The initiative operates as a global open call and exhibition program that connects young artists with curators, educators, and professional art institutions through competitions, public exhibitions, and educational programming.
The platform positions itself as a large-scale cultural engagement initiative that transforms contemporary cities into exhibition spaces for youth-led creativity. With previous editions generating millions of media impressions and thousands of participants worldwide, it functions as both a Public Presentation platform and a Festival-style cultural program focused on visibility, education, and artistic exchange.
Its core mission is to provide young creators with a structured yet open environment to develop their voice through art, while engaging in international dialogue around identity, belonging, and creative participation.
Title & Description
Teen Art Awards 2026 – Global Open Call for Young Artists (Theme: Belonging)
The Teen Art Awards is a global open call inviting young artists aged 13–17 to submit original artworks under the theme “Belonging.” The program encourages participants to explore personal, cultural, and social interpretations of belonging—whether tied to identity, memory, geography, community, or internal emotional landscapes.
This initiative functions as a hybrid between Competition, Exhibition, and educational Festival, combining open call submissions with curated international exhibitions, public presentations, and youth-led dialogues. Selected artists will have their works presented across physical venues and cultural spaces in Doha, alongside mentorship and professional development opportunities.
The program emphasizes accessibility and inclusivity, welcoming participants from all countries without fees or barriers to entry. It also integrates creative labs, workshops, and masterclasses led by established artists and curators, offering a holistic educational experience beyond the exhibition itself.
Key program components include:
- Global open call submission
- Juried selection process
- International exhibitions and public showcases
- Youth-led dialogues and cultural programming
- Educational workshops and creative labs
- Awards, mentorships, and media exposure
The initiative positions young artists not only as participants but as active contributors to cultural discourse, reinforcing the idea that creative expression is a tool for identity formation and global connection.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Photography
- Digital Art
- Painting
- Drawing
- Video / Film
- Animation (Short-form)
- Performance Art
- Fashion
- Craft
- Art Writing
- Mixed Media / Interdisciplinary Arts
Eligibility
The open call is available to:
- Teen artists aged 13–17 years old
- International participants (no geographic restrictions)
- Solo artists or collaborative groups (all contributors must be listed)
Additional conditions:
- Works must be original
- Applicants may submit up to 3 artworks
- Collaborative works are accepted with a designated lead applicant
- No residency or nationality restrictions apply
Program Benefits & Awards
- International Exhibition opportunities in Doha
- Participation in a global Festival and public showcase
- Awards and recognition at the final event
- Mentorship programs with artists, curators, and educators
- Access to creative labs and masterclasses
- Media exposure, press features, and digital visibility
- Potential grants, invitations, and further artistic opportunities
- Inclusion in global youth arts network and programming
The program emphasises long-term creative development through both exhibition exposure and educational engagement.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Up to 3 artworks (each evaluated individually)
- Image files (JPG/PNG, max 10MB each) or video files (MP4)
- Artwork details (title, medium, size, year)
- Short written description for each submission
- Completed online application form
- Personal information (and collaborator details if applicable)
Original physical artworks are only required if selected for the final exhibition.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Open Call Launch: 1 August 2026
- Application Deadline: 1 November 2026
- Exhibition & Festival: December 2026
Location
Doha, Qatar
Additional Details
The theme “Belonging” encourages young artists to reflect on identity, displacement, cultural memory, and personal connection. Works may explore belonging to a place, a community, or an internal sense of self.
The program includes extensive educational components such as workshops, creative labs, and mentorship sessions available both online and in-person. Selected participants may also be featured in international media coverage and digital exhibitions.
The initiative maintains full rights ownership for artists, while requesting permission for exhibition and publication with proper credit.