Showcase Your Wildlife Art at the UN: IFAW World Wildlife Day International Youth Art Contest 2026 (Ages 4–18)

If you’re 4 to 18 and you can draw a convincing elephant trunk or paint the secret life of medicinal plants, this is the kind of stage that photographers, curators, and curious relatives remember forever. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), in partnership with CITES and UNDP, is running the World Wildlife Day International Youth Art Contest for 2026 with a theme that nudges artists to put plants front and center: “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.” Submit by February 1, 2026, and your piece could be shown at the official World Wildlife Day event on March 3, 2026.

This contest isn’t just about pretty pictures. It’s about storytelling through imagery — the ways animals and plants sustain human life, culture, and wellness. Whether your entry is a crayon portrait of a honeybee visiting rosemary or a watercolor scene of a grandmother gathering herbs, the judges are looking for work that speaks to why these species matter. Read on for everything you need to know: who can enter, what counts as eligible art, how judges will pick winners, and practical tips to make your artwork pop on a global stage.

At a Glance

Why This Contest Matters (and Why You Should Care)

Art contests for kids are common. This one is different. It hands young artists a microphone to speak on a global conservation theme that touches medicine, culture, and livelihoods. Medicinal and aromatic plants are used worldwide — in clinics, kitchens, and ceremonies — yet many of these species are threatened by habitat loss and overharvesting. Your artwork can make that idea visible in a single image.

Beyond the message, there’s the audience. Finalists and winners are showcased at the official World Wildlife Day event on March 3, an international gathering attended by conservationists, policy makers, and press. That visibility can lead to local exhibitions, school recognition, and an entry on a resume or portfolio that stands out. For younger artists, the experience builds confidence and civic awareness; for teens considering art or environmental careers, it can spark connections that matter later.

Finally, this contest pairs art with education. Making a piece forces you to research the species or plants you draw: where they grow, how people use them, what threatens them. That combination of creativity and science is exactly the kind of cross-disciplinary thinking that gets noticed.

What This Opportunity Offers

This contest provides more than a trophy. It offers global exposure, educational value, and a chance to translate scientific and cultural issues into visual form.

First, international visibility. Finalists and winners are presented at the World Wildlife Day event, which draws attention from NGOs, journalists, and conservation networks. Even if you don’t win, being selected as a finalist gives you a digital badge — a line on your portfolio — that shows external validation.

Second, a learning experience. The 2026 theme encourages entrants to show plants that are medicinal or aromatic, and how animals interact with them. This can be a lesson in ecology, ethnobotany, and human health. Young artists often report that researching a subject deepens both their technique and their confidence in discussing complex issues.

Third, community and collaboration. Participating typically involves talking to family members, teachers, or local healers about the cultural uses of plants. That can encourage intergenerational storytelling and community engagement — valuable outcomes that go beyond the contest itself.

Fourth, inclusive access. The contest accepts traditional hand-drawn works — markers, crayons, colored pencils, and paint — which keeps the barrier to entry low. You don’t need expensive software or a professional studio; just a clear idea and basic supplies.

Who Should Apply

This contest is aimed at young artists who want their work to speak about wildlife and plants in a meaningful way. But that description covers a lot of real people:

• Elementary artists who draw animals as part of a school project. If you’re 4–10, this is a perfect place to submit bright, bold work made with crayons or paint. Judges respond well to personal voice and clear storytelling at this age.
• Middle schoolers exploring environmental themes. Ages 11–14 can experiment with composition and symbolism — show how a medicinal plant supports a species, or use color to signal health or threat.
• High school artists building a portfolio. Ages 15–18 should aim for technical competence and thoughtful concept. A drawing that ties research about plant uses into a visual metaphor will stand out.
• Art clubs, classrooms, and community programs. Teachers looking for an assignment that connects art and science will find this theme workable and rewarding.
• Young artists with cultural ties to traditional plant use. If your family has knowledge about local medicinal plants, that lived experience can make your piece authentic and compelling.

You should apply if you can clearly include plants within your wildlife art and you are within the 4–18 age window. If you’re a parent or teacher, encourage students to participate, but ensure the work reflects the child’s own vision.

Eligibility Details and Rules (Explained)

The contest accepts traditional, hand-drawn work made with markers, crayons, colored pencils, and paints. Digital art, photographs, or collage using found images are typically not accepted — check the official rules on the upload page to be sure.

Age is strict: entrants must be 4 to 18 years old. Prepare identification or an attestation if requested by the organizers. Each entry must be submitted electronically via IFAW’s website before the February 1, 2026 deadline. Ensure your photo or scan accurately represents colors and details; judges will evaluate on the uploaded image, not the original in your hands.

The theme requires inclusion of plants — especially medicinal or aromatic species — and the relationship between these plants and wildlife. That could be an animal using a plant for medicine, a plant providing habitat, or a depiction that emphasizes a plant’s cultural or health significance.

Make sure the work is original and created by the entrant. If a teacher or parent helped, be transparent about the assistance — the contest looks for the young artist’s hand and voice.

Insider Tips for a Winning Entry

This section is where craft meets strategy. Below are seven practical, tested tips to help your artwork do more than look nice — to make it memorable.

1. Start with a story, not a sketch. What do you want your audience to feel or understand? Write a one-sentence concept: “A child harvesting lavender with bees nearby” or “A jaguar rubbing against a medicinal shrub.” Use that sentence to guide composition and detail.

2. Research the plant. If you include a medicinal plant like turmeric, rosemary, or neem, learn one specific fact to include in your artist statement. Judges appreciate accuracy — it shows you thought about the subject beyond its appearance.

3. Use composition to lead the eye. Place the subject where viewers’ eyes will naturally land (rule of thirds), and use lines—branches, a path, the animal’s gaze—to guide them through the image. Even simple crayons can achieve strong composition.

4. Contrast matters. A plant’s texture can contrast against an animal’s fur. Use color contrast or a different application technique (thin washes vs. dense strokes) to make both elements readable in the uploaded image.

5. Keep it legible in a thumbnail. Judges first see a small image on a screen. Step back from your work while creating and make sure the central idea is visible even when tiny.

6. Write a short artist statement (50–150 words). Explain which plant you chose, why, and how it connects to wildlife. This helps the judging panel and can amplify your piece’s meaning.

7. Photograph carefully. Use even light, avoid glare, and photograph the artwork flat-on. Natural daylight near a north-facing window is ideal. If photographing painted surfaces, avoid direct sunlight that washes out colors.

These tips aren’t artistic formulas. They’re tools to make sure your idea reads clearly to the judges and to the larger, international audience that may see your work.

Application Timeline (Realistic and Practical)

Working backward from the February 1, 2026 deadline gives you breathing room. Here’s a practical schedule whether you’re an individual, teacher, or program coordinator.

• December–early January: Brainstorm concepts and research plants. Visit a garden, talk to an elder about medicinal herbs, or read a short field guide. Sketch thumbnails and select one idea.
• Mid–January: Create the final artwork. Reserve a couple of days in case you need a redo. Allow time for paint to dry before photographing.
• 2–3 days before deadline: Photograph or scan at high resolution. Draft your artist statement and confirm age and parental permissions.
• 48 hours before deadline: Upload your file to the contest page. This gives you time to troubleshoot format or upload issues.
• February 1, 2026: Deadline — submissions must be complete by this date. Late entries likely won’t be accepted.

If you’re a teacher submitting multiple student entries, build in an extra week to collect signed permissions and parental consent.

Required Materials and How to Prepare Them

Entries are submitted electronically, so you’ll need a clean, well-lit digital image of the artwork and a brief artist statement. Prepare these items in advance:

• The original artwork (hand-drawn using allowed media).
• A high-resolution photograph or scan saved as JPG or PNG (check format on the submission page). Aim for 300 dpi if scanning; when photographing, use the highest resolution available on your camera or phone.
• A 50–150 word artist statement explaining the choice of plant/animal, the message, and any cultural or medicinal context.
• Age and contact information for the entrant, and parental consent where required.
• If requested, a statement confirming the work is the entrant’s original creation.

When you photograph, place the art on a neutral surface and use diffuse light to avoid shadows. Crop tightly but leave a small white border for context. Name your file with the artist’s name and age for easier tracking.

What Makes an Application Stand Out

Judges look for clarity of concept, technical execution, and authenticity. Here’s what separates memorable entries from forgettable ones.

• Clear concept tied to theme: A piece that explicitly connects a medicinal or aromatic plant to an animal or human use will score higher than one where the connection is implied but vague.
• Technical confidence: That doesn’t mean photorealism. It means control of your chosen medium — confident line work, consistent color application, and controlled value (light vs. dark).
• Cultural authenticity and research: If your entry references a traditional use of a plant, a short, accurate note about that tradition adds credibility and weight.
• Emotional resonance: Does the work make you feel concerned, hopeful, or curious? Emotions help images stick in a judge’s memory.
• Presentation quality: A well-lit photo, a neat statement, and clear labeling communicate seriousness and respect for the process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (and How to Fix Them)

Even great pieces falter because of avoidable errors. Here are the top pitfalls and practical solutions.

• Rushed composition: If your sketch is messy, the final won’t clarify. Spend time on thumbnails before committing to the final piece.
• Poor digital capture: A dark photo hides details; glare washes color. Use diffuse daylight, hold the camera steady, and crop evenly.
• Vague theme connection: Judges are asked to evaluate theme relevance. Make the plant’s role obvious — through interaction, symbolism, or an explanatory sentence.
• Overcomplicated detail for age level: Young artists sometimes try to include everything. Focus on one strong idea and execute it well.
• Missing permissions or wrong file format: Read submission rules early and check formats. Don’t assume all image types are accepted.
• Forgetting to label the file: A file named “IMG_001” can get lost. Use the artist’s name and age to help contest organizers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I submit multiple entries?
A: Check the official rules on the submission page. Most youth contests limit entries per artist; if multiple submissions are allowed, each may need a separate upload and statement.

Q: Is collaborative work accepted?
A: The contest is intended to showcase individual young artists. Group pieces may be disqualified unless the rules explicitly permit collaborations. If a teacher assists, be transparent about the role.

Q: What if I don’t know the exact botanical name of my plant?
A: Scientific names aren’t required, but provide the common name and one sentence about its use. Judges appreciate accuracy, not perfection.

Q: Will winners receive prize money?
A: This contest emphasizes recognition and exhibition. Check the official page for specifics about awards or certificates.

Q: Are digital paintings accepted?
A: No. The contest is for traditional hand-drawn media only. Confirm specifics on the submission portal to avoid disqualification.

Q: What happens after the contest?
A: Finalists and winners are presented at the World Wildlife Day event on March 3, 2026. Organizers may also share entries on their websites or in related materials.

Q: Can international entries apply?
A: Yes. The contest is international — the partners include CITES and UNDP. Make sure you follow the submission instructions and time zone deadlines.

How to Apply (Next Steps)

Ready to put your art in front of an international audience? Here’s a practical checklist to finish your entry with confidence:

1. Finalize your concept and create the artwork using accepted media.
2. Write a short artist statement (50–150 words) that ties your image to the theme.
3. Photograph or scan the work in high quality and name the file with the artist’s name and age.
4. Gather parental consent if required and have contact details ready.
5. Upload before February 1, 2026 at the official contest page.

Ready to apply? Visit the official submission page and follow the instructions: https://signup.ifaw.org/en-us/art-contest#submit-art

If you have questions about eligibility or entry format, check the contest FAQ on the page or reach out to IFAW through their contact details on the site. Good luck — and paint like the planet depends on it, because in a very real way, it does.