2026 Young Artists and Authors Showcase

The Young Artists and Authors Showcase (YAAS) is an annual art contest that encourages youth worldwide to express the mission of Sister Cities International through original artwork, literature, poetry, photography, and music 

Please visit for all the details:

https://sistercities.org/what-we-do/programs/yaas/

Theme: 

Voices of Today, Visions of Tomorrow 

Sister Cities International is proud to present the 2026 Young Artists and Authors Showcase, inviting youth from around the world to express their creativity through the theme “Voices of Today, Visions of Tomorrow.” 

This year’s theme invites young artists and authors to raise their voices during a historic moment as the United States celebrates 250 years since its founding, and Sister Cities International honors 70 years of building global friendships and cultural understanding. It reflects the ongoing journey from the country’s founding ideals toward a more interconnected, peaceful world.

Open to artists, writers, photographers, and musicians aged 12–18, the Showcase provides a unique platform to explore how creativity can unite communities, celebrate shared humanity, and envision a better future. Submissions are accepted across various mediums, including visual art, essays, poetry, photography, and music.

By participating in this inspiring competition, young creators will have the opportunity to share their vision of a world where today’s voices shape tomorrow’s global community. Winning entries will be featured across Sister Cities International’s global network, inspiring people and partnerships around the world.

Judging:

All submissions will be judged anonymously by a panel of volunteer judges. Judges will review each submission carefully and follow the below criteria:

• Interpretation of the theme
• Originality and creativity
• Technical skill
• Overall impact

Age Categories:

This year, we are hosting two separate competitions based on age groups. Applicants aged 12-14 will compete in one showcase, while those aged 15-18 will compete in another. In each age group and each art medium, there will be a first, second, and third place winner.

Grand prize winners in each age group and each art medium will receive a $1,000 prize. Second place winners will receive a $500 prize, and third place winners will be awarded a $250 prize. 

IMPORTANT FIRST STEPS TO BEGIN THE PROCESS

1.You must contact the Sedona Sister Cities Point-of-Contact member, Carol Myers before submitting entry.

2.  Please carefully read the "Eligibility Criteria" information.

Please read the following details carefully. All additional questions can be directed to youth@sistercities.org. 

• Students must be between 12 and 18 years of age at the time of the April 1, 2026 deadline. 
• The student must be affiliated with and have a direct point of contact with a dues-paying member of Sister Cities International or an international community partnered with a dues-paying member. 
• The Sister Cities direct point of Contact for Sedona is Carol Myers. You must contact her first before submitting entry.
• Each dues-paying member city may submit up to five (5) entries per category, per sister city, and per age group. International community partners are also eligible to submit a maximum of five (5) entries per category and age group.
• Each student can only submit one art piece across the whole YAAS competition.
• All entries must conform to the Sister Cities International policy on plagiarism found here. 
• All entries must be submitted and received through the application on Submittable by April 1, 2025, 11:59PM ET. Late submissions will not be accepted.

• All entries must conform to Sister Cities International’s policy on plagiarism.
• AI generated work in all categories is strictly prohibited.
• All entries to Sister Cities International must be submitted and received with a completed application by April 1,2026 11:59 PM ET. Late submissions will not be accepted.
• There is NO fee to submit an entry to YAAS at the national office. 
• Click here to be directed to Sister Cities International's  website in order to read all the rules and submit an application. https://sistercities.org/what-we-do/programs/yaas/

Sister City International Plagiarism Policy:https://sistercities.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Plagiarism-Policy.pdf