INTERNATIONAL YOUNG ARTIST COMPETITION 2026 – “MY HERO”(There is a participation fee)
An International Art Competition for Young Artists
Organized by: International Modern Arts Consortium (IMAC) and World Art Bureau
Competition: International
Eligible participants: Children and young people ages 5–18
Submission method: Online
Entry fee: RM 38–RM 78, depending on age group
Deadline: November 30, 2026, at 12:00 a.m. Malaysia Time (UTC+8)
About the Competition
The International Modern Arts Consortium (IMAC), in collaboration with World Art Bureau, invites young artists from around the world to take part in the 2026 International Young Artist Competition.
This year’s theme, “My Hero,” encourages children and teenagers to create an artwork portraying someone who inspires them, has made a difference in their lives, or serves as a personal role model.
A hero can be a parent, grandparent, teacher, friend, community volunteer, or anyone whose actions have had a positive impact on others. Participants are encouraged to express what makes their chosen person special through their own artistic perspective.
The competition offers young artists an opportunity to develop their creative skills while exploring themes such as courage, kindness, compassion, helping others, and inspiration.
Who Can Enter?
The competition is open to children and young people ages 5–18 from all countries.
Entries will be judged in five age divisions:
| Category | Age |
|---|---|
| A | 5–7 |
| B | 8–10 |
| C | 11–13 |
| D | 14–16 |
| E | 17–18 |
Students attending schools, art academies, or receiving home education are eligible to participate.
Theme: “My Hero”
Participants may portray anyone they consider a hero. The subject does not need to be famous or widely recognized. An everyday person whose kindness, courage, or dedication has inspired the artist is equally suitable.
Possible themes include:
- Everyday heroes who make a positive difference in their communities
- People who show courage and help others through difficult times
- Individuals who care for people, animals, or the environment
- Family members, teachers, and friends who have influenced the participant’s life
- People whose actions inspire others and bring positive change
Accepted Art Techniques
The competition accepts original artwork created using traditional drawing and painting methods.
Drawing materials:
- Graphite and pencil
- Colored pencils
- Charcoal
- Crayons
- Oil and soft pastels
- Chalk pastels
- Markers and ink
Painting materials:
- Watercolor
- Gouache
- Acrylic
- Oil paint
- Tempera
- Poster paint
Traditional collage, printmaking, stenciling, mixed media, and textured art techniques are also accepted.
Artwork Requirements
- No specific artwork dimensions are required.
- A3 size (29.7 × 42 cm) is recommended.
- Both portrait and landscape formats are accepted.
- Artwork must be submitted as a JPG, PNG, or PDF file.
- The maximum file size is 10 MB.
- A resolution of 300 DPI is recommended.
- Artwork must not include logos or signatures.
- Participants may include a short description of up to 100 words.
What Is Not Accepted?
Digital illustrations created using drawing software, AI-generated or AI-altered images, copied artwork, and images taken from commercial coloring books are not eligible.
The concept, design, and execution of the artwork must be the participant’s own work.
Parents or guardians may assist younger participants with registration and uploading their artwork, but the creative work itself must be completed by the child.
How to Enter
Entries must be submitted online through the official competition website.
- Create a participant profile on the official website.
- Pay the entry fee for the participant’s age category.
- Upload a clear photograph or scan of the artwork in JPG, PNG, or PDF format.
- After completing the submission, participants will receive a digital participation certificate by email.
Artwork images should be clear and show the entire piece. Avoid shadows, glare, and blurry photographs.
Entry Fees
| Category | Age | Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|
| A | 5–7 | RM 38 |
| B | 8–10 | RM 48 |
| C | 11–13 | RM 58 |
| D | 14–16 | RM 68 |
| E | 17–18 | RM 78 |
Fees vary by age group. According to the organizer, no additional competition entry fee will be charged for participants who advance to the finalist stage. Entrants should review the current payment and refund terms on the official registration platform before submitting payment.
Awards
First-, second-, and third-place awards will be presented in each age category.
| Age Group | First Place | Second Place | Third Place |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5–7 | RM 180 | RM 100 | RM 60 |
| 8–10 | RM 250 | RM 150 | RM 80 |
| 11–13 | RM 300 | RM 180 | RM 100 |
| 14–16 | RM 400 | RM 250 | RM 150 |
| 17–18 | RM 500 | RM 300 | RM 180 |
Winners will receive a cash prize, a trophy, and an award certificate.
All participants will receive a digital participation certificate. The organizer states that certificates will be emailed within five business days after a completed submission.
Judging Criteria
Artwork will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
| Criteria | Weight |
|---|---|
| Creativity and originality | 30% |
| Interpretation of the theme | 25% |
| Artistic skill | 20% |
| Emotional expression | 15% |
| Overall impact | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
Competition Schedule
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Entries open | August 3, 2026 |
| Submission deadline | November 30, 2026, 12:00 a.m. Malaysia Time |
| Finalists announced | December 11, 2026 |
| Grand final | Date and venue to be announced |
Late submissions will not be accepted.
Artwork Rights and Usage
The organizer’s submission terms provide usage rights for submitted artwork in connection with judging, storage, verification, archiving, research, and promotional activities.
Selected works may also be featured in exhibitions, publications, or promotional materials. Parents and legal guardians should carefully review the platform’s terms and the permissions relating to the use of a child’s artwork before entering.
Contact Information
Organizer: International Modern Arts Consortium (IMAC)
In collaboration with: World Art Bureau
Email: connect@imacertified.org
Phone: +1 917-728-1681
Address: 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 2400, New York, NY 10170, USA
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE OFFICIAL COMPETITION WEBSITE
