2026 Teen Arts Fest
Saturday, Nov. 21
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Are you a Memphis teen with a passion for visual art, photography, or 3D art? Show off your talent, win cash prizes, and see your work featured in an online gallery! The Memphis Public Library invites all young creators to submit original artwork to our annual Teen Arts Fest competition.

Please read everything below before you apply!

Teen Arts Fest 2026 Application

Why Apply?

Get Featured: Every applicant will have one piece published in the official 2026 Teen Arts Fest digital catalog, permanently archived on our site.
Exhibition Spotlight: Selected artists will have their work on display at the Goodwyn Gallery from November 23–29.
Win Big: Compete for cash prizes and a chance to display your work in an exclusive exhibition.

Submissions are open and will be judged by a team of accomplished artists who have been provided a rubric for judging. We will not be able to provide any judging feedback. Notifications on acceptance or non-acceptance will be sent by October 23. Those accepted into the exhibition will receive further instructions on drop-off of the project, and if you submitted multiple projects, which project was formally accepted into the exhibition. No gratuitous violence, sexual imagery, or drug use. Keep it PG!

Timeline:

September 17: Submissions Open
October 23: Submission Deadline
October 28-30: Notification of Acceptance
November 7: Artist Orientation & First Drop-Off
November 8-10: Additional Drop-off Dates (By appointment)
November 21: Teen Arts Fest!

Teen Arts Fest Rules & Guidelines

Submission Guidelines:

Eligibility: Open to high school students ages 13–19.
What to Submit: A portfolio of 1 to 2 original works created within the last two years, complete with art titles and a brief artist description.
How to Apply: Complete the online application form below between September 17 and October 23, 2022.

Eligibility

The exhibition is open to artists aged 13-19 in the Memphis/Shelby County area.

30 artists will be selected for the exhibition. Only one piece per artist will be chosen for the exhibition

Pieces will be judged by Visual Impact, Interpretation and Creativity, Composition/Design, and Craftsmanship.

Fees

There are no fees associated with Teen Arts Fest.

Liability

The Teen Arts Fest does not insure artworks in this exhibition while on display or while in transit to and from Teen Arts Fest. Teen Arts Fest, its staff, and its volunteers are not responsible for loss or damage to artworks in this exhibition, if damage may be caused. The entrant’s submission of the entry form constitutes an agreement to these terms and conditions.

For questions, please contact Program Development Manager: nakia.armstrong@memphistn.gov

Photography & Media

The Teen Arts Fest reserves the right to photograph and reproduce all works accepted into the exhibition for educational and media purposes.

What happens after submission?

Submissions are reviewed by a panel of esteemed judges and library reps. Notifications for acceptance or non-acceptance into the show will be sent. If you are accepted into the show, you will be instructed on when and where to drop off your artwork. Accepted or not accepted into the show, we work to encourage youth artists to attend and enjoy!

Teen Artists will be expected to (if the piece requires special installation) support and assist with setting up and showcasing their pieces.

All accepted artists are required to participate in the event. This is an opportunity to show your work and possibly sell your artwork. It is required that you, or a representative, be at the event.

Please invite friends, family, teachers, and anyone who supports you in your community. This is a celebration for you, and we would love to see as many people there as possible.