XC Creative Art Contest Open for Submission!
Call to Artists
Details
| Deadline | October 25, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | NextGen InterArts Foundation |
| Location | Online |
Description
Submission portal is now open: August 20 – October 20, 2026
The XC Creative Art Contest (XCAC) is an international, cross-disciplinary art competition open to students in grades 6–12. Organized by the NextGen InterArts Foundation, XCAC celebrates originality, creative thinking, and artistic expression across a wide range of mediums.
✦ FREE TO ENTER
Every student can submit up to 3 works across categories at no cost. If your work is selected in the top 10%, you will be invited to advance to the final round, which requires a $25 fee to cover judging costs. As a nonprofit organization, this fee directly supports contest administration.
✦ COMPETITION CATEGORIES
Traditional Art
Drawing, Painting, Photography, Digital Art, Mixed Media, Experimental Photography (New 2026)
Science + Art
3D Printing and Art, Kinetic Sculptures, Artistic Circuits, Architectural 3D Modeling, Drawing Robots, Interactive E-Book (New 2026)
Performance Art
Performance Video, Theater (New 2026 — group submission)
Video Art + Music
Short Video (Animation/Film), Music Video
Literature + Art
Book Design, Literature Illustration
✦ AWARDS
🥇 Gold — Medal + E-Certificate + $1,000 Cash Prize (Top 1)
🥈 Silver — Medal + E-Certificate + $150 Cash Prize (Top 2–6)
🥉 Bronze — Medal + E-Certificate + $150 Cash Prize
🏅 Honorable Mention — E-Certificate
Top 15 winners receive a Recommendation Letter.
Top 30 winners are invited to exhibit at the MusicOn+ InterArts Festival in Manhattan, New York.
✦ WHY XCAC?
Rooted in the STEAM philosophy, XCAC goes beyond traditional art competitions by encouraging students to connect art with science, technology, literature, and performance. Whether your goal is to strengthen a college application portfolio, explore a new medium, or simply share your work with an international audience — XCAC is designed to be an accessible, meaningful milestone in every young artist's journey.
✦ HOW TO SUBMIT
1. Visit: www.nextgeninterarts.org/xc-creative-contest
2. Complete your student profile (name, nationality, school, teacher info)
3. Upload up to 3 artworks with title, category, medium, dimensions, and a brief artist statement
4. Submit — it's free!
How to Participate
✦ HOW TO SUBMIT
1. Visit: www.nextgeninterarts.org/xc-creative-contest
2. Complete your student profile (name, nationality, school, teacher info)
3. Upload up to 3 artworks with title, category, medium, dimensions, and a brief artist statement
4. Submit — it's free!
This opportunity has been submitted by Jeff Zhang. The listing of the opportunity does not imply endorsement by the Division of Arts and Culture or the Department of State. Contact NextGen InterArts Foundation with questions or for more information.
