Presenting The 2026 Tidal Shift Award - Inspire Change Through Art.

Deadline: January 31, 2026

The search is on for emerging young artists who are exploring innovative ideas around sustainability through their work.

The Tidal Shift Award aims to leverage the power of socially-aware artworks, awarding and platforming teenagers and young adults who are focused on solutions for climate change.

Are you an artist between the ages 14-22 who wants to inspire climate action? Does your perspective shine a light on our climate crisis in new ways?

We are currently accepting submissions of artworks that relate to the climate crisis through theme, subject matter, solutions, and more. Together, we can showcase the artworks that can influence, motivate, and galvanize our communities to do more to address our environment.

The Tidal Shift Award is open to all young artists the east of the Mississippi River (Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and all Native and Indigenous nations therein) between the ages of 14 and 22, to create a work of art contemplating an issue and/or a solution to a crisis facing your community resulting from climate change. Participants can use any medium (e.g. painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, video, all works of paper) and young artists of any ethnic or racial identity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ability are encouraged to apply.

Submission Page

Winners Announced: April 22, 2026.