Art Contests
Please use this information as a planning guide of various programs and tentative application dates. If you are aware of any additional programs we can add to our list to maximize student possibilities please forward to conleya@asmsa.org.
** The deadlines for red highlights have already passed and will be updated after they publish their 2025 dates/costs. Please familiarize yourself with available programs so you can identify your interest, know the requirements, and be ready to apply when the application is published and/or comes back around the following year.
Summer Scholarships - Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Program Grades: Teens in grades 7–11 who receive a Gold or Silver Key are eligible to apply for a SAS Scholarship
The Scholastic Award Summer scholarship program proves teenagers who have been recognized by the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards for their artwork in order for them to partake in summer art programs on a full-tuition scholarship.
Application Opens: Varies by program
Program Costs: Entry Fee: $10 per individual entry/$30 per portfolio. Fees can be waived in the online portal.
Program Grades: High school students
Every spring, the Congressional Institute conducts a national visual art competition for high school students in order to promote and acknowledge artistic skill across the nation. The winners of this competition will have the opportunity to have their art displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.
Application Opens: Spring 2025
Application Deadline: Spring 2025
Program Costs: $55
Program Grades: Juniors and Seniors
Put your artistic vision to the test for an opportunity to earn a scholarship to SCAD, The University for Creative Careers.
Application Opens: Rolling applications; student must apply for SCAD
Application Deadline: February 17, 2025
Program Costs: Free
National Young Arts Competition
Program Grades: Grades 10–12 or 15–18 years of age on December 1 of the year applying
They accept applications related to classical music, dance, design, film, jazz, photography, theater, visual arts, voice, and writing. Award winners are offered a lifetime of artistic support and ongoing connection with a robust network of peers and mentors along with some cash prizes.
Application Opens: July 2025
Application Deadline: October 2025
Program Costs: Application fee: $35 (If you submit multiple applications across disciplines or categories, there is a $35 fee for each). Fees can be waived in the online portal.
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Program Grades: Grades 7–12 (ages 13 and up)
Students can submit their work. They accept work in 28 categories related to the arts and writing. Winners receive recognition via ceremonies, exhibitions, publications, and scholarship entries.
Application Opens: September 2024
Application Deadline: December 6, 2024
Program Costs: Entry Fee: $10 per individual entry/$30 per portfolio. Fees can be waived in the online portal.
The Herblock Award for Editorial Cartoon - Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Program Grades: Grades 7–12 (ages 13 and up)
This contest allows students to create an editorial cartoon–drawing, illustration, a series of art pieces, or animated short film–that critiques the current American political climate. The Herb Block Foundation will award a scholarship worth $2,000 to the three winning students.
Application Opens: September 2024
Application Deadline: December 6th, 2024
Program Costs: Entry Fee: $10 per individual entry/$30 per portfolio. Fees can be waived in the online portal.
Portfolio Scholarships - Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Program Grades: Grades 7–12 (ages 13 and up)
The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards Portfolio Scholarships takes many different types of art mediums such as visual art, music, writing, and many others. For each student’s portfolio, they must write a personal statement that must not exceed 500 words.
Application Opens: September 2024
Application Deadline: December 6, 2024
Program Costs: Entry Fee: $10 per individual entry/$30 per portfolio. Fees can be waived in the online portal.