Announcing the 2025 Tian Hong Cross-Cultural Youth Poem & Art Contest: "The Colors of Me"! 🎨
- Susan Shi
- Apr 8
- 3 min read
In a world where AI can generate art and poetry faster than ever, human creativity remains irreplaceable. Just as photography never erased painting and printing never replaced calligraphy, true artistic expression evolves, deepens, and endures across generations. The creative process is more than just a final product—it is a journey of self-discovery, storytelling, and soul-searching.
As you embark on this year’s contest, trust your inner fire and inspiration. Be bold, be fearless, and create like never before! AI can be a tool, a copilot, an assistant in your exploration—but it can never replace your unique voice, emotions, and style. Let your creativity shine and show the world what only you can bring to life! ✨
About the theme
Just like a painting, each of us is made up of different colors—our experiences, memories, cultures, dreams, and emotions. Some colors remind us of where we come from, while others help us imagine where we’re going. What are the colors that make up you?
For young artists and poets (ages 4-12):Every day is full of colors! The laughter of your friends, your favorite bedtime story, the places you love, and the dreams that sparkle in your heart—each of these adds a special color to your story. What makes your world bright, exciting, or magical? Through art or poetry, show us the colors that make you you!
For young creators exploring identity (ages 13-21):As we grow, we begin to see the many shades that shape us—our past, our cultures, the people who influence us, and the dreams we chase. Sometimes, colors blend smoothly; other times, they clash or change. Through your art and words, reflect on the palette of your life. What colors define your journey? What hues represent your hopes, struggles, and identity?
🏆 Contest Details & Awards
We welcome:
Poetry: English poems of all forms and styles.
Visual Art: Traditional media (oil, watercolor, pencil, etc.), digital art, collages, woodwork, and installation art.
Each contestant may submit up to two entries across poetry and art categories.
2025 Tian Hong Award Structure:
Age group: 4 - 12 | per Award |
1st place | $300 |
2nd place | $150 |
3rd place | $50 |
Age group: 13 - 21 | |
1st place | $500 |
2nd place | $250 |
3rd place | $100 |
Special awards * | |
🌀 Innovative Expression Award – For entries that introduce fresh, unexpected ideas or techniques. | $250 |
🌍 Best Cultural Reflection – Recognizing pieces that thoughtfully explore personal or cross-cultural identity. | $250 |
🎨 Unmistakably Me Award – Celebrating originality and individuality in storytelling or artistic style. | $500 |
⭐️ Judge’s Favorite Award – Recognizing a standout piece that captivates and resonates with the judging panel. | $500 |
🏆 Founder’s Award – Celebrating the most outstanding piece of the contest that embodies creativity, originality, and impact. | $1,000 |
Your participation | Priceless |
🔎 Evaluation Criteria
🎨 50% Originality & Personal Expression – How uniquely the work reflects the artist’s voice, emotions, and perspective.
🔍 30% Theme Interpretation & Creative Process – Depth of thought in exploring the theme and the artist’s approach, effort, and intent (short artist statement required).
🌏 20% Cultural & Cross-Cultural Reflection – How the work conveys cultural identity, appreciation, or meaningful connections across different backgrounds.
You are welcome to co-pilot your project with AI tools, but at the end of the day, your work should be unmistakably yours—shaped by your feelings, stories, and artistic style.
📩 How to Enter
Eligibility: Open to all contestants ages 4 - 21.
Register & Submit
Complete the entry form below (the form now includes uploads for entry files, artist statement and introduction video):
📅 Award Announcement
🏆 Winners will be announced on or before Friday, August 15, 2025.
Cash awards will be sent via PayPal or Amazon gift card.
Certificates will be emailed upon request.
📸 Additional Notes
By entering, you grant Tian Hong Foundation permission to share submitted poems and digital artwork images for educational and promotional purposes.
We can't wait to see your creative interpretations of “The Colors of Me”! 🌈✨
For questions, contact us at youthartcontest@tianhongfoundation.org.
Best of luck, and happy creating! 🎨✍️
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