APRIL 23^rd NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY AND CHILDREN’S DAY  & 

UNESCO WORLD ART DAY PAINTING ART CONTEST, 2026

2026 PAINTING CONTEST RESULT

Dear art lovers, esteemed parents, and dear children,

We are delighted to share with you the results of the 5th Painting Competition organized by the Turkish American Women’s Association and NY Atatürk School, held במסגרת April 23 National Sovereignty and Children’s Day and UNESCO World Art Day, and aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals under the theme “Life on Land.”

This year, many creative, thoughtful, and inspiring artworks went through the evaluation process. We sincerely congratulate all of our participating children.

Ages 6–8:
First Prize: Ada Bulut
Second Prize: Gülce Özmen
Third Prize : Doğa Aksüt and Ela Biçer
Honorable Mention: İpek Zengin

Ages 9–11:
First Prize: Ezgi Uzunkaya
Second Prize: Candan Pia Çolak
Third Prize : Masal Çadır and Mina Sarı
Honorable Mention: Selin Özdemir

Ages 12–14:
First Prize: Alya Naz Bozkurt
Second Prize: Cadence RA
Third Prize: Okyanus Leyla Işık
Honorable Mention: Sare Doğan

We once again congratulate all our children who expressed their sensitivity to nature through art, and we thank everyone who contributed.

With the hope of raising generations who grow through art and respect nature…

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:

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