Young Artists and Authors Showcase
Children’s Creative Project partners with the Santa Barbara Sister Cities Advisory Board each year to produce a local student art exhibition and competition known as the Young Artists and Authors Showcase (YAAS), utilizing the Sister Cities International platform. Each year, Sister Cities International selects a theme for the YAAS. A panel of judges in each category selects winners, and cash prizes are provided by the Santa Barbara Cities Advisory Board.
For 2026, the theme is “Voices of Today, Visions of Tomorrow.” Students are invited to explore and express how their voices, ideas, and dreams can shape a brighter future, both locally and globally.
Students aged 13 to 18 who are enrolled in a Santa Barbara, Goleta, or Carpinteria school may submit their work to their art teacher or English teacher, or they can deliver it to our office located at 3970 La Colina Road, Suite 9, Santa Barbara, CA 93110, by March 19, 2026.
Categories for submission include Handcrafted 2D Art, Digital Art, Photography, Short Essay, and Poetry.
An artist's reception and awards presentation will be held on April 9, 2026, beginning at 4:00 PM in the SBCEO Auditorium located at 4400 Cathedral Oaks Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93110. The awards presentation will begin at 4:30 PM.
If you have any questions, please contact Kelly Mitchell at kmitchell@sbceo.org or call 805-534-7939.
YAAS Category Details
Short Essay & Poetry
Students can submit original pieces, including creative writing, essays, anecdotes, poetry, or other written formats. Submissions must be in English and limited to a maximum of 500 words.
Handcrafted 2D Art
This category accepts artwork created using various media, including colored pencils, oil paints, acrylics, watercolors, and mixed media. All submissions must be entirely handcrafted by the student.
Digital Art & Photography
Submissions can include digitally created art and photographs. Moving visuals, such as video or animation, are not allowed. Entries must be submitted as high-quality prints with a minimum resolution of 1350 x 1080 pixels.
FAQs
What is YAAS?
The Young Artists and Authors Showcase (YAAS) is an annual competition that encourages youth worldwide to express the mission of Sister Cities International through original artistic and literary creations.
Who can participate?
Students aged 13 to 18 can submit one entry per category, with a signed guardian entry form required for each submission.
How will it be judged?
Entries must focus on the theme “Voices of Today, Visions of Tomorrow” and will be assessed by a panel of judges based on creativity, composition, and interpretation of the theme.
Are there prizes?
Winners in each category will be awarded a check: $150 for first place, $100 for second place, and $75 for third place. Jr High students can earn $75 for winning their category.
How do I submit work?
To submit your entry, please give finished artwork/ written work and a completed entry form to an art or English teacher, or drop them off at Children’s Creative Project located at 3970 La Colina Rd, Suite 9, Santa Barbara, CA by 3/19/2026.
When is the artists’ reception?
The 2026 YAAS Reception will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the SBCEO Auditorium located at 4400 Cathedral Oaks Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93110. The awards presentation will begin at 4:30 PM.