How it happens
Submit your artwork and join a national movement of creativity.
01
Open Call
& Competition
& Competition
03
Exhibitions, awards, performances,
and public dialogue
led by teens.
and public dialogue
led by teens.
Festival
& Grand Finale
& Grand Finale
Education, workshops,
and creative labs with artists and curators.
and creative labs with artists and curators.
02
Labs
& Education
& Education
Exhibitions, awards, performances,
and public dialogue
led by teens.
and public dialogue
led by teens.
|
Snapshot
Impact
5M+
media impressions across TV, press & digital platforms
public visitors across venues, schools & community events
10.000+
countries represented in submissions
60+
youth artists engaged in exhibitions, masterclasses & mentorships
300+
Teens 13–17
Solo or collaborative (name all contributors)
Who
Make Your Mark
What
Painting, Graphics, Digital, Photo, Video, Performance, Fashion, Craft, Art Writing
Visual art of any kind
Exhibition & Festival:
Deadline:
When
Opens:
Inclusive submissions welcome
Support
& Access
& Access
Need help? We’ve got guidance sessions + email support
Awards announced at the Festival
Mentorships, masterclasses, press and digital features
Awards
& Recognition
& Recognition
Selection
& Exhibition
& Exhibition
Selected works shown across Doha venues
Juried selection by artists/
curators/educators
curators/educators
Rights & Use
We may request permission to show your work
Images: JPG/PNG (≤10 MB each)
Add title, medium, size, year
Video: MP4 (short clip or trailer)
File Specs
How to Submit
Simple online form (images/video + short text)
No fee
Up to 3 works per artist
You keep ownership
Season Theme
Belonging
This theme invites young artists to explore what it means to belong -
to a place, a culture, a community, or to themselves.
to a place, a culture, a community, or to themselves.
Belonging can be inherited, constructed, questioned, or lost.
It can exist between worlds, across borders, or entirely within.
It can exist between worlds, across borders, or entirely within.
A reflection on identity, memory, and connection in a constantly shifting world.
Explore the memories, traditions, and histories that shape your sense of belonging.
ROOTS
& MEMORY
& MEMORY
BETWEEN WORLDS
What does it mean to exist between cultures, identities, or places?
HOME
Is home a place, a feeling, or a moment in time?
What does belonging feel like within yourself?
Can you feel at home in your own mind and emotions?
Can you feel at home in your own mind and emotions?
INNER WORLD
Where do you imagine your place in the future?
FUTURE BELONGING
IDENTITY
How do you define yourself beyond labels and expectations?
OUTSIDER
How does the digital world shape identity, presence, and belonging?
DIGITAL BELONGING
COMMUNITY
Who do you feel connected to, and what defines that connection?
What does it mean to not belong — and how does that shape you?
←
→
From canvas to code, from craft to story. Learn more.
Pencil | Ink | Charcoal | Mixed Media
DRAWING
02
Digital | Film | Experimental
PHOTOGRAPHY
03
Short films | Loops | Performance on video
VIDEO ART
04
Sketches | Concepts | Wearable art
FASHION
07
AI concept video
AI
08
Illustration | Animation | 3D worlds
DIGITAL ART
05
Ceramics | Textiles | Calligraphy | Wood
CRAFT
06
Swipe for More →
Watercolor | Oil | Acrylic | Gouache
PAINTING
01
Pencil | Ink | Charcoal | Mixed Media
DRAWING
02
Digital | Film | Experimental
PHOTOGRAPHY
03
Short films | Loops | Performance on video
VIDEO ART
04
Sketches | Concepts | Wearable art
FASHION
07
AI concept video
AI
08
Ceramics | Textiles | Calligraphy | Wood
CRAFT
06
Illustration | Animation | 3D worlds
DIGITAL ART
05
Swipe for More →
Watercolor | Oil | Acrylic | Gouache
PAINTING
01
←
←
More art this way →
Made by teens
From past editions
Now it’s your turn
From past editions
Now it’s your turn
Art Wall
“SILENT AGONY” (2021)
Heaven Akua Nartey, USA
Heaven Akua Nartey, USA
“UNITED” (2023)
Farid Huseynov, Azerbaijan
Farid Huseynov, Azerbaijan
“OUR FUTURE” (2023)
Ekaterina Birykina, Russia
Ekaterina Birykina, Russia
NO NAME
Ayan Mehra, Singapore
Ayan Mehra, Singapore
NO TITLE (2023)
Cathrine Nagel, South Africa
Cathrine Nagel, South Africa
“PEACE” (2023)
Margarita Astaturyan, Georgia
Margarita Astaturyan, Georgia
“LEVIATHAN” (2023)
Maria Zykova, Russia
Maria Zykova, Russia
“INTERPRETATION OF THE INFINITE” (2021)
Arseny Varankin, Russia
Arseny Varankin, Russia
“RESURGENCE OF BLOOM” (2023)
Lau V-Shane, Malaysia
Lau V-Shane, Malaysia
“NATURE, SCIENCE & SAPIENS” (2023)
Ayn Mehra, Singapore
Ayn Mehra, Singapore
“TODAY I’LL BREAK THE CYCLE...” (2023)
Ruslina Slivina, Georgia
Ruslina Slivina, Georgia
NO TITLE
Kamilla Kireeva, Russia
Kamilla Kireeva, Russia
”FUTUTE WORLD” (2023)
Anna Vlasova, Russia
Anna Vlasova, Russia
Meet the cultural leaders, artists, curators and creative thinkers shaping this year’s Teen Art Awards.
Our Jury brings together diverse perspectives to honour bold ideas, originality, and emerging youth voices in art today.
Our Jury brings together diverse perspectives to honour bold ideas, originality, and emerging youth voices in art today.
2026 Jury Panel
Ashraf Abuissa
ABUISSA HOLDING | ALBAHIE AUCTION HOUSE & BISSAN GALLERY | QATAR
A leading Qatari entrepreneur, cultural catalyst, and patron of the arts. As Chairman of Abuissa Holding and founder of AlBahie Auction House, he drives bold support for creativity, youth, and the regional art scene.
Ashraf Abuissa
Charles Al Sidaoui
Art Collector & Founder of The Yes Collection | UAE / Lebanon
Art Collector & Founder of The Yes Collection.
Charles Al Sidaoui
Azza Al Qubaisi
Multidisciplinary Artist, Sculptor & Designer | UAE
Multidisciplinary Artist, Sculptor & Designer.
Azza Al Qubaisi
Natalia Kapchuk
Contemporary Artist and Environmentalist
Contemporary Artist and Environmentalist; Ambassador of the Parliamentary So-
ciety of Arts, Fashion and Sports (UK); Goodwill Ambassador for the Better World Fund (BWF).
ciety of Arts, Fashion and Sports (UK); Goodwill Ambassador for the Better World Fund (BWF).
Natalia Kapchuk
Ms. Maryam Al Saad
Director of International Affairs, Katara Cultural Village
Dr Waseem Kotoub
BRITISH COUNCIL | QATAR
Director of International Affairs, Katara Cultural Village | CEO, Katara Public Diplomacy Center | Secretary General, Global Public Diplomacy Network (GPDNet).
Ms. Maryam Al Saad
Cultural leader and Country Director of British Council Qatar, advancing youth-focused programmes in the arts, education, and cultural diplomacy through regional partnerships and creative exchange.
Dr Waseem Kotoub
Natalia Kapchuk
Natalia Kapchuk is an internationally recognised contemporary artist and environmentalist based between Dubai and London. Her multidisciplinary practice explores the relationship between ecological systems, human intervention and the natural world through painting and mixed-media sculpture. Working with natural, reclaimed and industrial materials, she develops research-driven projects addressing biodiversity loss, industrialisation, sustainability and the long-term impact of human activity on natural ecosystems. She further developed her artistic education at Central Saint Martins and Chelsea College of Arts, both part of University of the Arts London.
Kapchuk has exhibited internationally across Europe, the Middle East and Asia, with her work presented at major cultural platforms and institutions including Expo 2020 Dubai, CICA Museum in South Korea, ME Dubai Hotel, as well as public art venues in London and New York. Her works have also been presented at international auctions, including Phillips and Christie’s, and are held in private collections in the United Kingdom, France, the United Arab Emirates and India. Her artistic and environmental work has received international recognition, including distinctions from the Parliamentary Society of Arts, Fashion and Sports and the Michelangelo International Art Prize.
Alongside her artistic practice, Kapchuk is actively engaged in international environmental advocacy. She serves as an Ambassador of the Parliamentary Society of Arts, Fashion and Sports (UK) and a Goodwill Ambassador for the Better World Fund (BWF). She has collaborated with environmental organisations including The Ocean Cleanup, Born Free Foundation, Earthwatch Europe and Plastic Oceans Europe, using art and public engagement to raise awareness of environmental challenges and encourage greater responsibility towards the natural world.
Kapchuk has exhibited internationally across Europe, the Middle East and Asia, with her work presented at major cultural platforms and institutions including Expo 2020 Dubai, CICA Museum in South Korea, ME Dubai Hotel, as well as public art venues in London and New York. Her works have also been presented at international auctions, including Phillips and Christie’s, and are held in private collections in the United Kingdom, France, the United Arab Emirates and India. Her artistic and environmental work has received international recognition, including distinctions from the Parliamentary Society of Arts, Fashion and Sports and the Michelangelo International Art Prize.
Alongside her artistic practice, Kapchuk is actively engaged in international environmental advocacy. She serves as an Ambassador of the Parliamentary Society of Arts, Fashion and Sports (UK) and a Goodwill Ambassador for the Better World Fund (BWF). She has collaborated with environmental organisations including The Ocean Cleanup, Born Free Foundation, Earthwatch Europe and Plastic Oceans Europe, using art and public engagement to raise awareness of environmental challenges and encourage greater responsibility towards the natural world.
Contemporary Artist and Environmentalist
Ashraf Abuissa
Entrepreneur, philanthropist, and patron of the arts, Ashraf Abu Issa is the Chairman of Abuissa Holding, one of the Middle East’s leading family-owned conglomerates with diversified operations in retail, distribution, real estate, and investments.
A passionate art collector and cultural advocate, Mr. Abu Issa is also the Founder and CEO of AlBahie Auction House, Qatar’s first fine art and antiques auction house, and Owner of Bissan Gallery, a contemporary art gallery that supports regional and international artists. Through these ventures, he has played a key role in enriching Qatar’s cultural landscape, fostering artistic dialogue, and supporting the creative economy in the region.
His dedication to the arts extends beyond business — Mr. Abu Issa actively supports emerging artists, art education, and heritage preservation, believing in art’s power to connect people and tell stories across generations.
In recognition of his entrepreneurial leadership and commitment to community development, he was named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2011. He also co-founded INJAZ Qatar, a non-profit organization empowering youth through education, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Through his vision, philanthropy, and cultural engagement, Ashraf Abu Issa continues to bridge commerce and creativity, championing initiatives that inspire dialogue, innovation, and cultural appreciation across Qatar and beyond.
A passionate art collector and cultural advocate, Mr. Abu Issa is also the Founder and CEO of AlBahie Auction House, Qatar’s first fine art and antiques auction house, and Owner of Bissan Gallery, a contemporary art gallery that supports regional and international artists. Through these ventures, he has played a key role in enriching Qatar’s cultural landscape, fostering artistic dialogue, and supporting the creative economy in the region.
His dedication to the arts extends beyond business — Mr. Abu Issa actively supports emerging artists, art education, and heritage preservation, believing in art’s power to connect people and tell stories across generations.
In recognition of his entrepreneurial leadership and commitment to community development, he was named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2011. He also co-founded INJAZ Qatar, a non-profit organization empowering youth through education, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Through his vision, philanthropy, and cultural engagement, Ashraf Abu Issa continues to bridge commerce and creativity, championing initiatives that inspire dialogue, innovation, and cultural appreciation across Qatar and beyond.
Chairman, Abuissa Holding | Founder, AlBahie Auction House & Bissan Gallery | Art Collector
Azza Al Qubaisi
Azza Al Qubaisi is a pioneering Emirati multidisciplinary artist, sculptor and designer, recognised as the UAE’s first Emirati jewellery artist. Born and based in Abu Dhabi, her practice explores Emirati identity, heritage and the natural landscape through sculpture, jewellery and public art.
Working across metals and natural materials, including palm fronds, Al Qubaisi combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary forms. Her work draws on the landscapes, materials and visual culture of the UAE, exploring the relationship between cultural memory, identity and place.
Her work has been presented internationally, including at Forever Is Now at the Giza Pyramids, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C., Sotheby’s London, Expo Milano and exhibitions in Berlin. More recently, she participated in the Abu Dhabi Public Art Biennial 2024–2025 and exhibited with Leila Heller Gallery in New York in 2025.
Beyond her artistic practice, Al Qubaisi is committed to supporting emerging creative talent. She is the founder of the Ebda’a Awards, a long-running platform dedicated to discovering and developing emerging jewellery designers, and has contributed extensively to cultural initiatives, education and creative development in the UAE.
Al Qubaisi holds a BA in Jewellery Design, Silversmithing and Allied Crafts from London Guildhall University and an MA in Cultural and Creative Industries from the Higher Colleges of Technology. She is a recipient of the British Council Young Creative Entrepreneur Award and the Emirates Woman of the Year Award.
Working across metals and natural materials, including palm fronds, Al Qubaisi combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary forms. Her work draws on the landscapes, materials and visual culture of the UAE, exploring the relationship between cultural memory, identity and place.
Her work has been presented internationally, including at Forever Is Now at the Giza Pyramids, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C., Sotheby’s London, Expo Milano and exhibitions in Berlin. More recently, she participated in the Abu Dhabi Public Art Biennial 2024–2025 and exhibited with Leila Heller Gallery in New York in 2025.
Beyond her artistic practice, Al Qubaisi is committed to supporting emerging creative talent. She is the founder of the Ebda’a Awards, a long-running platform dedicated to discovering and developing emerging jewellery designers, and has contributed extensively to cultural initiatives, education and creative development in the UAE.
Al Qubaisi holds a BA in Jewellery Design, Silversmithing and Allied Crafts from London Guildhall University and an MA in Cultural and Creative Industries from the Higher Colleges of Technology. She is a recipient of the British Council Young Creative Entrepreneur Award and the Emirates Woman of the Year Award.
Multidisciplinary Artist, Sculptor & Designer | UAE
Charles Al Sidaoui
Charles Al Sidaoui is a Lebanese-born, Dubai-based art collector and businessman, and the founder of The Yes Collection — an international collection bringing together Modern and Contemporary art from the Middle East and around the world.
Built over more than fifteen years, his collection reflects a deeply personal and international approach to collecting, bringing together artists across generations, cultures and artistic movements. The Yes Collection includes works by internationally recognised and emerging artists from the Middle East, Europe, the United States and Asia, creating dialogues across different cultural and artistic traditions.
In 2023, Sotheby’s Dubai presented a dedicated exhibition of works from The Yes Collection, highlighting the diversity and distinctive curatorial approach behind Al Sidaoui’s collecting practice.
Beyond building his own collection, Al Sidaoui is passionate about making art accessible and inspiring new generations to engage with it. He regularly welcomes collectors, art organisations and visitors to experience The Yes Collection and strongly advocates for discovering and supporting young and emerging artists.
For Al Sidaoui, collecting is driven above all by an emotional connection with art and a belief in its ability to transcend geography and culture. His approach reflects a conviction that art is a universal language — one that encourages curiosity, dialogue and a broader understanding of the world
Built over more than fifteen years, his collection reflects a deeply personal and international approach to collecting, bringing together artists across generations, cultures and artistic movements. The Yes Collection includes works by internationally recognised and emerging artists from the Middle East, Europe, the United States and Asia, creating dialogues across different cultural and artistic traditions.
In 2023, Sotheby’s Dubai presented a dedicated exhibition of works from The Yes Collection, highlighting the diversity and distinctive curatorial approach behind Al Sidaoui’s collecting practice.
Beyond building his own collection, Al Sidaoui is passionate about making art accessible and inspiring new generations to engage with it. He regularly welcomes collectors, art organisations and visitors to experience The Yes Collection and strongly advocates for discovering and supporting young and emerging artists.
For Al Sidaoui, collecting is driven above all by an emotional connection with art and a belief in its ability to transcend geography and culture. His approach reflects a conviction that art is a universal language — one that encourages curiosity, dialogue and a broader understanding of the world
Art Collector & Founder of The Yes Collection | UAE / Lebanon
Dr Waseem Kotoub
Dr Waseem Kotoub is a cultural strategist and interdisciplinary leader whose career bridges the arts, education, and international collaboration. As the Country Director of the British Council in Qatar, he champions youth-focused cultural programmes that foster creativity, dialogue, and global exchange.
With a background as a concert pianist, composer, and curator, Dr Kotoub brings a deep understanding of the transformative power of the arts. He has pioneered regional programmes in performing arts, creative entrepreneurship, and inclusion — supporting strategic UK-Middle East cultural dialogue. Previously, he led arts and sports portfolios in the Gulf and played a key role in cross-ministerial engagement between the UK and Qatar.
Dr Kotoub brings a unique approach to cultural leadership rooted in care, access, and cross-disciplinary innovation and remains a strong advocate for inclusive cultural access and creative education that connects generations and communities across borders.
With a background as a concert pianist, composer, and curator, Dr Kotoub brings a deep understanding of the transformative power of the arts. He has pioneered regional programmes in performing arts, creative entrepreneurship, and inclusion — supporting strategic UK-Middle East cultural dialogue. Previously, he led arts and sports portfolios in the Gulf and played a key role in cross-ministerial engagement between the UK and Qatar.
Dr Kotoub brings a unique approach to cultural leadership rooted in care, access, and cross-disciplinary innovation and remains a strong advocate for inclusive cultural access and creative education that connects generations and communities across borders.
COUNTRY DIRECTOR. BRITISH COUNCIL | QATAR
Ms. Maryam Al Saad
Ms. Maryam Al Saad is a distinguished leader in public diplomacy and international cultural relations, serving as Director of International Affairs at Katara Cultural Village, CEO of the Katara Public Diplomacy Center, and Secretary General of the Global Public Diplomacy Network (GPDNet).
Since joining Katara Cultural Village Foundation in 2010, she has played a significant role in strengthening Qatar’s international cultural engagement and building connections between institutions and communities across the world. Through her work, she has championed cross-cultural dialogue, international cooperation, and the role of culture as a bridge between people of different backgrounds.
Her extensive experience in cultural diplomacy and international relations brings an important perspective to the Teen Art Awards 2026 jury, particularly in the context of this year’s theme, “Belonging,” which explores identity, community, cultural roots, and the connections that shape young people’s sense of place in the world.
Since joining Katara Cultural Village Foundation in 2010, she has played a significant role in strengthening Qatar’s international cultural engagement and building connections between institutions and communities across the world. Through her work, she has championed cross-cultural dialogue, international cooperation, and the role of culture as a bridge between people of different backgrounds.
Her extensive experience in cultural diplomacy and international relations brings an important perspective to the Teen Art Awards 2026 jury, particularly in the context of this year’s theme, “Belonging,” which explores identity, community, cultural roots, and the connections that shape young people’s sense of place in the world.
Director of International Affairs, Katara Cultural Village | CEO, Katara Public Diplomacy Center
→ Got an artwork? This is where it begins.
SHOW US YOUR ART
Pick your category before you hit submit!
Painting | Drawing | Photo | Video | Digital | AI | Fashion | Craft
Painting | Drawing | Photo | Video | Digital | AI | Fashion | Craft
All you need to know
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN TEEN ART AWARDS?
01
FAQ
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Teens from all around the world are welcome to participate.
The Teen Art Awards is open to young artists aged 13–17, regardless of their country of residence.
The Teen Art Awards is open to young artists aged 13–17, regardless of their country of residence.
WHAT KIND OF ARTWORKS CAN I SUBMIT?
02
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Painting, drawing, photography, digital art/illustration, mixed media, collage, sculpture, animation (short loop/clip or still).
WHAT FILE FORMAT SHOULD I USE?
03
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JPG or PNG for images, MP4 for video/animation. Each file ≤10 MB.
HOW MANY ARTWORKS CAN I SUBMIT?
04
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Up to 3 individual pieces. Each evaluated separately.
CAN I SUBMIT A COLLABORATIVE PIECE?
05
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Yes — list all contributors. One person must be the main applicant.
CAN MY ARTWORK INCLUDE TEXT?
06
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Yes — typography or written elements are welcome if original and appropriate.
DO I NEED TO SEND THE PHYSICAL ARTWORK?
07
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Not at submission. Originals only if selected for final exhibition in Qatar.
DO I RETAIN THE RIGHTS TO MY ARTWORK?
08
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Yes — you keep ownership. We may request permission to display or publish (with credit).
DOES IT COST ANYTHING TO PARTICIPATE?
09
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No — it’s completely free.
WHAT IS THIS YEAR’S THEME?
10
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Topic: Belonging
Where do you feel like you belong?
Where do you feel like you belong?
HOW DO I APPLY?
11
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During Open Call, fill out the online form, upload your work, add a short description, and your details.
WHEN IS THE OPEN CALL?
12
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Opens August 1, 2026
Deadline November 1, 2026
Exhibition & Festival December 2026
Deadline November 1, 2026
Exhibition & Festival December 2026
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY ARTWORK IS SELECTED?
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You’ll exhibit in Doha, join the Festival, and may receive awards, mentorship, and press.
WILL THERE BE WORKSHOPS OR EDUCATION PROGRAMMES?
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Yes — labs, talks, and masterclasses (online and on-site) for all registered teens.
WHAT KIND OF RECOGNITION DO WINNERS RECEIVE?
15
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Prizes, mentorships, grants, international exposure, and global invitations.
DO I HAVE TO BE LIVING IN QATAR TO TAKE PART?
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No. Teenagers aged 13–17 from anywhere in the world can participate.
Teen Art Awards is presented by Art.Coordinate.
Got questions, ideas, or art to share?
We’d love to hear from you.
We’d love to hear from you.
Let’s Stay in Touch
By submitting an application, you confirm that
you have read and accepted these documents.
you have read and accepted these documents.