APRIL 23rd NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY AND CHILDREN’S DAY &
UNESCO WORLD ART DAY PAINTING ART CONTEST, 2026
1. CONTEST SPECIFICATIONS
April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children’s Day, gifted to all children by the Great Leader Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, reminds us once again of our responsibilities toward the future. Founder of the Republic of Turkiye,. To contribute to UNESCO World Art Day, the Turkish Women’s League of America (ATKB), a member of the United Nations Department of Global Communications (UNDGC), and founder of the Atatürk School in New York is organizing a painting contest themed “LIFE ON LAND “ .
The aim of the contest is to bring Atatürk’s words emphasizing peace, equality and a future in harmony with nature into the present day to raise awareness about the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 15: “Life on Land”.
Atatürk’s immortalized statement such as “Peace at Home, Peace in the World”, “Protecting nature is protecting the future”, “Tomorrow’s nature is created today”, “Trees, flowers and greenery mean civilization” will be reinterpreted through the creativity of young artists .
This contest encourages children to reflect on the importance of the terrestrial ecosystem,the protection of natural resources, and the support of sustainable environmental policies, and to express these ideas through art. For this reason , the contest is not only an artistic activity but also a global call for a sustainable future.
Artworks are expected to be rich in color, composition, and expression, and to carry a strong message aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially “Life on Land” goal. This gives participants the opportunity to be recognized by the global art community.
The contest is open to all children ages 6–14 living in the United States, as well as students of the New York Atatürk School and its sister school, YÖM Schools. Judging will take place in three age groups: 6–8 years old, 9–11 years old, and 12–14 years old. The competition will be run by ATKB and the Atatürk School of New York.
“Atatürk saw peace as the foundation of everything. If we protect nature and work together against climate change, we will bring peace not only to people but also to our world. Be an ambassador for peace!”
Children can watch the videos below to inspire them:
2. ABOUT THE CONTEST:
Theme: Life on Land
Dimensions: 30,5cm x 45,7cm/ 12” x 18” Only art paper in specified dimensions will be accepted. Style: Freestyle (Pastel, Oil Paint, Watercolor, Dry Paint…etc.) Collage and digital are not accepted.
Age Group: 6-8 years old children born (2020-2018)
9-11 years old children born (2017-2015)
12-14 years old children born (2014-2012)
3. AWARDS:
| 6-8 Years Old | 9-11 Years Old | 12-14 Years Old | |
| First Place: | 200$ | 200$ | 200$ |
| Second Place: | 100$ | 100$ | 100$ |
| Third Place: | 50$ | 50$ | 50$ |
| Honorable Mention: | Art Kit | Art Kit | Art Kit |
4. TERMS OF PARTICIPATION:
5. COPYRIGHT
1.By applying to the “Life on Land” painting contest held for April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children’s Day & UNESCO World Art Day, participants are considered to have accepted all contest rules. Artworks found to violate any rule will be disqualified by the commission.
2. Artworks determined to be copied, stolen, imitated, or non-original will not be evaluated. If such a situation is discovered after an award is given, the award will be revoked and the participant must return the certificate and monetary/product prize. This does not grant new rights to other contestants.
All legal and financial responsibilities arising from participation belong solely to the contestant; the organizers assume no responsibility.
6. CONTACT INFORMATION
Phone: 1 (516) 234-5015 EMAIL: twlanewyork@gmail.com
7. JURY COMMITTEE
| Main Jury | Pre Selection Committee |
| Bedri BAYKAM- Artist Main Jury Chairman | Deniz İlhan-Artist |
| Dr. Didem VURAL – Artist Gazi University Department of Fine Arts Pınar GÜZELGÜN HANGÜN – Ceramic Artist Sakarya University | Aslı Kutluay-Artist Buket Savcı-Artist Reyhan Akbaș-Artist Nilay Çomoğlu-Artist |
IMPORTANT DATES
– Contest Application Deadline for Preselection: 10/March/2026
– Announcement Date of Award Winners in the Finals: 03/April/2026
– Deadline of Delivery of Award Winning Pictures to the Address: 11/ April/2026
– Award Ceremony and Exhibition Opening: 20/April/2026-25/April/2026
**** (Dates may be subject to change due to unforeseen extraordinary circumstances.)
6-8 YEARS OLD SUBMISSIONS: Click Here to Submit Your Art
9-11 YEARS OLD SUBMISSIONS: Click Here to Submit Your Art
12-14 YEARS OLD SUBMISSIONS: Click Here to Submit Your Art