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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 Wednesday, April 30th, 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

Sponsored By

Competition Process

1.
Application

All submissions (including the online application form) must be received by Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 5:00 PM EST.

2.
Review

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

3.
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 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.  All art must be submitted online AND dropped off in-person. Please note that the KCS office is closed on the weekends.

2. Only one submission is allowed per person.

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

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

5.  Only 2D artwork will be accepted, in either traditional or digital format. 3D artwork will not be accepted.

6.  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.

7. AI art and fanart is NOT allowed. Content must be an original idea by the artist.

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?
What kind of artwork is eligible?
When is the submission deadline?
How many submissions am I allowed to enter?
What are the different award categories?
When will the awardees be announced?
Is attendance mandatory for the AAPI Art Showcase & Ceremony?
If I am unable to attend the AAPI Art Showcase & Ceremony and my name is called as an awardee, what will happen?
Will my artwork be returned to me?
Will I need to submit the original artwork?
Can I reuse an artwork that I submitted for another contest or project?
Do I need to fill out an application form?
Do I need parental/guardian permission to participate?
Are there any other forms I need to sign?
Why is monetary compensation being provided to the awardees?