SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA, CA (October 14, 2026) - The 7th annual Creative Youth Awards (CYA), the region’s largest FREE arts recognition program for high school students, opened submissions today. From October 14 through December 8, 2026, Bay Area teens are invited to submit original work across seven artistic disciplines - creative writing, dance, film, music performance, original music, photography, and visual art - for the chance to win a share of $100,000 in cash prizes.
Since its founding in 2019, the Creative Youth Awards have:
Awarded more than $500,000 in cash prizes
Engaged over 8,400 students
Recognized 2,700+ young artists with awards and prizes
As participation has grown, the CYA has become more than an annual awards program, creating a region-wide platform where young people can share their work, receive recognition from creative professionals, and see themselves as part of the Bay Area’s creative community.
“Creativity is far more than an artistic skill. It helps young people develop confidence, curiosity, and the ability to see possibilities,” said Lani Rovzar, Executive Director of the Bay Area Creative Foundation. “When we recognize young artists and take their ideas seriously, we are investing not only in their individual growth but in a more creative, connected, and vibrant community. The Creative Youth Awards exist to make sure young people throughout the Bay Area have an opportunity to be seen, heard and celebrated.”
Each year, entries are reviewed by a jury of acclaimed artists, educators, and industry professionals. Past review panelists have included award-winning music producers, leading filmmakers, and celebrated visual artists. ALL qualified participants are featured in our online Creative Gallery and receive a free year membership to MasterClass. Awardees receive cash prizes ranging from $100 to $1,000, with top-scoring submissions also receiving personalized written feedback from review panelists.
Entries are free and open to students in all nine Bay Area counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma. Students are limited to one entry. Each discipline category has a limited quantity of submissions and will close once it reaches the maximum entry amount.
Submissions for the 2027 Creative Youth Awards are open now through December 8, 2026. For full details and to submit work, visit www.creativeyouthawards.org/submit.
###
About the Bay Area Creative Foundation
Bay Area Creative Foundation (BACF) is a nonprofit organization established in 2019 to cultivate and celebrate creativity in young people. Through its flagship Creative Youth Awards program and Creative Youth Celebration event, BACF provides Bay Area high school students with opportunities for professional feedback, recognition, creative learning, and community connection. To date, BACF has reviewed more than 8,900 creative works, recognized more than 2,700 students, and distributed over $500,000 in cash awards. To learn more, please visit: creativeyouthawards.org.
For press inquiries, contact:
Grace Andruszkiewicz, Marketing Manager
grace@creativeyouthawards.org
