The Unsung Heroes ARTEFFECT Competition invites submissions from all middle and high school students interested in making a positive impact through their art!

Students may interpret the Unsung Hero’s story in myriad ways including – but not limited to – a narrative sequence or story, portraiture, symbols and abstraction, a landscape.  Multiple mediums are accepted for submission including 2-D and 3-D visual artworks in painting, drawing, mixed media, digital, and sculpture.

Multiple mediums are acceptable for submission including:

• 2-D dry media such as graphite, charcoal, colored pencils, pastels.
• 2-D wet media such as acrylic, oil, watercolor, gouache, ink wash, printmaking.
• 2-D digital media
• Various mixed media such as photography, digital, graphics, textiles, collage, paper.
• 3-D media such as sculpture, ceramic, assemblage.

There is no size limit. Artwork, media and dimensions must be listed on the competition submission form.

Students will also submit a written “Impact Statement” to accompany their artwork. This essay discusses the Unsung Hero’s unique contribution, the student’s creative process and interpretation, and how the student intends to share their artwork within their own community. All submissions must be accompanied by an Impact Statement (minimum of 500 words to a maximum of 1,000 words). In this essay, students should address the following prompts:

• What do you find inspirational about your chosen Unsung Hero and why?
• How does your work express your Unsung Hero’s character and heroic acts?
• What is the vision behind your creative interpretation?
• How has the process of creating this work of art changed your outlook on life?
• How will you share your artwork and/or experience with your community? Include any photos and weblinks, as relevant, to illustrate the extended reach of your project.

Check: 2024 International Essay Contest for Young People | Prize of 100,000 Yen |