AAPI Art Competition

The AAPI Art Competition, organized by the Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York, Inc. (KCS) and sponsored by the YS Kim Foundation, is a statewide art contest that aims to celebrate AAPI identity, heritage, and creativity.

The AAPI Art Competition provides a platform for students to share their unique perspectives and strengthen their connection to their cultural roots.

Open to all AAPI students (1st to 12th grade).

The submission is due Friday, April 11th, 2025 at 5:00 PM (EST). Please use your desktop computer when applying.

$1000

1x
Grand Prize
Awardee

Chosen from all grades

$500

3x
Category
Awardees

Chosen from elementary school, middle school, and high school

$100

5x
Honorable Mentions

Regardless of grade level

Competition Process

Application

All submissions (including the online application form) must be received by Friday, April 11, 2025, at 5:00 PM EST.

Review

Selected guest jurors will hold a blind test when selecting the awardees.

Art Showcase & Ceremony

The event will serve as an opportunity for attendees to enjoy the exhibition, connect with artists, and experience the creativity of the AAPI community.

Competition Theme

This year’s theme is “The Art of Belonging: Exploring AAPI Identity and Culture.” Your artwork should reflect this theme by capturing its meaning in a creative and thoughtful way.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) descent

• Current student in grades 1-12

• New York State resident

Submission Evaluation

A panel of 3-4 judges will be evaluating the physical and digital artwork. Some of the criteria will include:

Creativity and Originality: Does the artwork showcase unique ideas?

Connection to the AAPI Theme: How well does the piece reflect AAPI heritage or identity?

Effort and Thoughtfulness: Does the submission demonstrate care and engagement?

Submission Requirements

1. Only in-person submissions will be accepted. Please note that the KCS office is closed on the weekends.

2. Online application form must be submitted.

3. Only one submission is allowed per person.

4. All submissions must be 18 x 24 inches (poster size).

5. Artwork must be submitted unframed and unmounted. Framed or mounted pieces will not be accepted.

6. 3D artwork will not be accepted.

7. The submission must be an original piece created specifically for this competition and cannot be a reused or previously submitted work from another contest or project.

8. The artwork must reflect the theme of this year’s competition: “The Art of Belonging: Exploring AAPI Identity and Culture.”

Submission

Drop off your artwork at KCS Headquarters in Bayside. Attach a label to the back of your artwork with:

• Full Name

• Grade

• Age

• School Name

• Title of Artwork

Application Form

Digital uploads are only for application documentation (a photo of the artwork and a headshot), but the actual artwork must be physically submitted. Digital application is required for the application:

• Upload a clear image of your artwork in JPEG or PNG format during the online application process

• This image will be used for documentation purposes only

AAPI Art Showcase & Ceremony

Awardees will be announced during the AAPI Art Showcase & Ceremony on Saturday, May 17, 2025 during AAPI Heritage Month. Doors will open at 10:00 AM, and the ceremony will begin at 11:00 AM. Please note that the date and the time is subject to change.

Saturday
May 17, 2025

Doors open: 10:00 AM

Ceremony starts: 11:00 AM

Ceremony ends: 12:00 PM

Location – KCS Headquarters

All artwork must be submitted in person to the KCS HQ office in Bayside at 203-05 32nd Ave., Bayside, NY 11361.

Office hours are from Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Please note that submissions will not be accepted on the weekends.

Contact Us

✉️ education@kcsny.org

📞 (718) 939-6137

FAQ

Who can participate?

The competition is open to students of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) descent in grades 1 through 12 who reside in New York State.

What kind of artwork is eligible?

We will only accept 2D artwork, including drawings, paintings, and mixed media created on flat surfaces such as paper or canvas. All submissions must meet size and format requirements.

When is the submission deadline?

Submissions (including the online application form) must be received by Friday, April 11, 2025, at 5:00 PM EST. Late entries will not be accepted.

How many submissions am I allowed to enter?

Each participant is allowed to submit only one (1) artwork for the competition. Multiple submissions will not be accepted.

What are the different award categories?

One (1) overall grand prize awardee chosen from all of the grades
Three (3) category awardees: elementary school, middle school, and high school
Five (5) honorable mentions - regardless of grade level

When will the awardees be announced?

Awardees will be announced during the AAPI Art Showcase & Ceremony on Saturday, May 17, 2025, during AAPI Heritage Month. Doors will open at 10:00 AM, and the ceremony will begin at 11:00 AM. Please note that the date and the time is subject to change.

Is attendance mandatory for the AAPI Art Showcase & Ceremony?

While attendance is not mandatory, we strongly encourage all participants and their families to attend. This is a celebration of creativity, culture, and community, recognizing the artistic talents of AAPI youth. Awardees will be announced during the event, and snacks and refreshments will be provided.

If I am unable to attend the AAPI Art Showcase & Ceremony and my name is called as an awardee, what will happen?

If you are unable to attend, we will contact you afterward with details on how to receive your award.

Will my artwork be returned to me?

Yes, you may collect your artwork once the AAPI Art Showcase & Ceremony has ended.

Will I need to submit the original artwork?

Yes, all participants must submit their original physical artwork for judging and display at the showcase.

Can I reuse an artwork that I submitted for another contest or project?

The submission must be an original piece created specifically for this competition and cannot be a reused or previously submitted work from another contest or project.

Do I need to fill out an application form?

Yes, all participants must submit an application form for their artwork to be considered.

Do I need parental/guardian permission to participate?

Yes, participants under 18 must have a parent or guardian complete the permission section of the application form, which includes an electronic signature.

Are there any other forms I need to sign?

Yes, participants (or a parent/guardian for minors) must complete an online acknowledgment form. This form confirms agreement to the competition guidelines, grants permission for artwork use, and includes a media release section allowing KCS to photograph participants and their artwork for promotional materials, including social media, websites, and printed publications.

Why is monetary compensation being provided to the awardees?

It is to recognize and reward outstanding achievements, giving participants a sense of accomplishment for their hard work. They also serve to support and encourage young AAPI artists while increasing their visibility within the community. Through these awards, we aim to celebrate talent, foster creativity, and inspire continued artistic growth.