Organizer | Ottawa Chinese Language School (OCLS)
Partners | Canada-China Art Association · 4C Club · Canadian Asian Culture and Arts Association · Partner Art Organizations
Eligibility: Young artists age 18 and under
Registration Fee: CAD $20 per participant
Registration Email: office@ocls-ottawa.ca
- October 18, 2026: Official program launch
- December 19, 2026: Artwork submission deadline
- December 20, 2026–January 20, 2027: Artwork evaluation
- January 23, 2027: Awards ceremony and exhibition of outstanding works in Ottawa. Selected award-winning works may also be exhibited during Asian Heritage Month in May 2027.
The competition is open to young artists age 18 and under in four age groups:
Early Childhood: Ages 6 and under
Children: Ages 7–10
Junior: Ages 11–14
Youth: Ages 15–18
Registration Fee: CAD $20 per participant
| Award | Number of Winners | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| First Prize | 1 per age group | CAD $100 + certificate |
| Second Prize | 2 per age group | CAD $70 + certificate |
| Third Prize | 5 per age group | CAD $50 + certificate |
| Award of Excellence | Multiple recipients | Certificate + gift |
Each award includes CAD $50 and a certificate of honor.
- Best Creativity Award: Recognizes a distinctive concept and rich artistic imagination.
- Best Use of Color Award: Recognizes expressive, engaging, and aesthetically effective use of color.
- Best Composition Award: Recognizes outstanding composition, form, and visual presentation.
- Best Theme Interpretation Award: Recognizes a creative and culturally meaningful interpretation of the Year of the Sheep theme.
- Best Expression of Childhood Award: Recognizes natural, lively, playful, and childlike artistic expression.
- Best Artistic Expression Award: Recognizes exceptional artistic technique, visual impact, and overall presentation.
- Best AI-Generated Artwork Creativity Award: Recognizes outstanding use of artificial intelligence in artistic creation, particularly in concept, theme interpretation, and visual impact.
Theme
The artwork should focus on the Year of the Sheep and demonstrate an understanding and artistic interpretation of Chinese zodiac culture.
Creativity
Independent thinking, imagination, originality, and personal expression are encouraged.
Form and Composition
Judges will consider structure, artistic form, visual organization, and attention to detail.
Use of Color
Judges will consider color relationships, visual harmony, emotional expression, and overall artistic effect.
We value artistic skill, but we also cherish every child's genuine enthusiasm for creating, cultural curiosity, and unique imagination.