Young Artists and Authors Showcase

Each year, the Young Artists and Authors Showcase encourages youth from around the globe to express the mission of Sister Cities International through original artwork and literature. All students must submit their work based on a designated theme that is announced each year. Artwork is sent from member cities to Washington, D.C. where a panel of judges selects the winners based on originality, composition, and theme interpretation.

This program is a great opportunity to reach out into the community and engage local English and art teachers, and reach a student audience that may not already be included in sister city programming. After the finalists for art and literature have been announced, they embark on a year-long tour hosted by local sister city programs on a monthly basis. This opportunity is available to any city and can help expand local youth programming.

Made possible by the generous support of the Carvey Family.

2015 Young Artists and Authors Showcase

Theme: Connecting Communities for Peace and Prosperity

Sister Cities International aims to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation – one individual, one community at a time. This year’s theme, Connecting Communities for Peace and Prosperity, celebrates Sister Cities International’s mission.

Sister Cities International founder President Dwight D. Eisenhower reasoned that, by becoming friends, people of different cultures could celebrate and appreciate differences. If people connect across national boundaries and get to know each other, their mutual respect and understanding can transform diplomatic relations and foster peace and prosperity. Artists and authors from around the world are encouraged to use their imagination. What is your vision of peace? How does connecting globally allow you and your community to prosper?

Participants must be between 13 and 18 years of age at the time of the 2015 deadline and from a dues-paying member of SIster Cities International. Deadline to submit entries is May 1, 2015. PLEASE READ THE GUIDELINES BELOW CAREFULLY BEFORE SUBMITTING ARTWORK, ESSAYS, AND POEMS.

SUBMIT YOUR FILM NOW for the Young Artists and Authors Showcase (YAAS) - Sister Cities Film Challenge!

Create a short film using “Connecting Communities for Peace and Prosperity” as inspiration. Simply follow these easy guidelines:

1. Create a short film 1-10 minutes of length 

2. Submit your film through Cinequest’s easy online process by clicking on this link, filling out the requested information, and following the indicated instructions: http://www.cinequest.org/ff_enroll?t=3

3. Submit by May 1, 2015. However if you submit by Dec. 31, 2014 your film may have an opportunity to be screened at the Cinequest Film Festival 25!

2015 Young Artists Showcase:

• Click here for the guidelines
• Click here for the entry form
• Want to organize a local Young Artists Showcase? Click here for a handy guide!

2015 Young Authors Showcase:

• Click here for the guidelines
• Click here for the entry form

2014 Annual Young Artists Showcase

CLICK HERE to see a Tumblr of the 26th Young Artists Showcase submissions!

2014 Grand Prize Winners:

2014 Finalists:

2014 Annual Young Authors Showcase

Click here to read the winning and finalist entries!

2014 Grand Prize Winners:

2014 Finalists:

To view the Young Artist and Authors Showcase finalist artwork and read the essays and poetry, click on the links below:

• Click here to see a Tumblr of the 2014 Young Artists Showcase submissions. Click here to read the 2014 Young Authors Showcase winning and finalist entries.
• Click here to view the 2013 Young Artists and Authors Showcase winning and finalist entries.
• Click here to view the 2012 Young Artists and Authors Showcase winning and finalist entries.

Young Artists and Authors Showcase will be on tour throughtout the U.S.! Watch this space for more.