AAPI Art Competition

The AAPI Art Competition is one of the few statewide art contests in New York dedicated exclusively to uplifting Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth voices. Hosted by a long-standing nonprofit, it offers students in grades 1–12 a platform to explore identity through art, with both traditional and digital submissions accepted.

Winners receive cash prizes and public recognition, helping to inspire the next generation of AAPI artists and leaders. One Grand Prize Awardee will receive $1,000, three Category Awardees (elementary, middle, and high school) will each receive $500, and five students will be selected for Honorable Mentions, receiving $100 each.

Requirements

• Be of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) descent.
• Current student in grades 1-12.
• New York State resident.

Application Instructions

1. All art must be submitted online and dropped off in-person. Please note that the KCS office is closed on the weekends.

2. Only one submission is allowed per person.

3. All submissions must be 18 x 24 inches (poster size).

4. Artwork must be submitted unframed and unmounted. Framed or mounted pieces will not be accepted.

5. Only 2D artwork will be accepted, in either traditional or digital format. 3D artwork will not be accepted.

6. The submission must be an original piece created specifically for this competition and cannot be a reused or previously submitted work from another contest or project.

7. AI art and fanart is NOT allowed. Content must be an original idea by the artist.

8. The artwork must reflect the theme of this year’s competition: “The Art of Belonging: Exploring AAPI Identity and Culture.”

Please visit their application page: https://kcsny.org/aapi-art-competition/