About

The Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest is an annual global competition that invites young people to explore their relationship with the ocean through creative expression. The 2026 theme "Your Story, Our Ocean" encourages participants to reflect on how the ocean sustains, protects, and inspires them, whether they live on the coast or are landlocked. Bow Seat has built a community of over 42,000 young creatives worldwide who care about ocean conservation, environmental justice, and climate action, creating what they call the largest youth environmental arts collection in the world.

Who Can Apply

Students aged 11-18 from around the world can participate, divided into Junior Division (ages 11-14) and Senior Division (ages 15-18). You can enter individually or as part of a club, class, or group of any size. All participants must provide contact information for an Adult Sponsor such as a teacher, parent, or mentor. Students who have already started college or university are not eligible.

What You Get

Cash awards of up to $1,000 are available for winners. Beyond the monetary prizes, participants join a global movement of young environmental advocates and gain access to Bow Seat's Resource Studio for learning about environmental issues. You'll develop skills in communication, critical thinking, creativity, and environmental advocacy while building your portfolio in your preferred medium or trying something new. All participants receive a participation certificate, and your work may be showcased through art exhibitions, publications, and social media campaigns. Outstanding participants become eligible for special opportunities like the Future Blue Youth Council, internships, and judging roles in future contests.

Deadlines

June 8, 2026

How to Apply

Submissions are accepted across multiple categories including Visual Art (both handcrafted and digital), Poetry & Spoken Word, Creative Writing, Film, Performing Arts (Music & Dance), and Interactive & Multimedia. Visit the official contest page to access the entry portal and detailed submission guidelines.