2026 Theme: Our World
Our World encourages students to explore the world they live in and the people, places, and experiences that shape their daily lives. Through creative work in art, music, performance, or writing, participants are invited to express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas about what they see around them and how they relate to it.
Submissions can be personal, observational, or imaginative. There is no single "right" interpretation. Students may choose one of the following sub-themes.
Family & Relationships
This sub-theme focuses on the relationships that are important in our lives. Students may explore family members, relatives, or people who feel like family to them. Works can show love, support, conflict, change, or meaningful moments, and how relationships influence who we are and how we grow.
Friends & Community
This sub-theme invites students to reflect on friendship and community. Submissions may explore making friends, working together, helping others, or feeling included or excluded. Students can also represent the communities they are part of, such as school, neighborhoods, teams, or clubs.
Environment & Nature
This sub-theme encourages students to observe and reflect on the natural world. Submissions may focus on plants, animals, weather, landscapes, or human impact on the environment. Students can express appreciation for nature, concerns about environmental issues, or everyday interactions with their surroundings.
Culture & Identity
This sub-theme explores who we are and where we come from. Students may reflect on traditions, language, food, customs, or personal experiences related to culture and identity. Submissions can express pride, curiosity, confusion, or discovery as students learn more about themselves and others.
Challenges & Growth
This sub-theme focuses on difficulties and learning experiences. Students may explore challenges they face in school or life and how they respond to them. Submissions can show effort, perseverance, failure, improvement, and personal growth over time.
Dreams & The Future
This sub-theme invites students to imagine what lies ahead. Submissions may explore hopes, goals, and dreams for the future, or creative ideas about what the world could become. Students are encouraged to think about change, possibility, and optimism.
Everyday Life
This sub-theme focuses on ordinary moments that are often overlooked. Students may explore daily routines, small joys, quiet moments, or familiar places. Submissions can show how simple experiences can hold meaning and shape how we understand our world.
