Create Artwork that Helps Kids Create Fearlessly

Create Fearlessly is an annual art initiative and online auction benefiting Give Kids Art.

Artists are invited to explore the prompt through their own style, medium, and perspective — creating work inspired by curiosity, imagination, and creative freedom.

Selected artworks will be featured in our fall online exhibition and auction, helping expand access to process-based art experiences for children across the country.

You’ll have approximately eight weeks to complete your piece.

Create fearlessly and help make creativity accessible to more kids.


Apply To Participate:


Participation Details:

Who Participates

Create Fearlessly welcomes:

  • emerging artists

  • professional artists

  • illustrators

  • painters

  • designers

  • multidisciplinary creatives

No single style or medium is required.

TIMELINE

Please read carefully before applying!

  • May 31stArtist Applications Due

  • June 10th — Artists Notified

  • June 15-25th — Art Kits & Prompt Delivered to Selected Artists

  • August 31stFinal Artwork Images Due

  • October 8th - 18thOnline Exhibition + Auction Live

What To Expect

Artists are responsible for shipping sold artwork to winning bidders. Shipping reimbursement is available up to a designated amount. Have more questions? See our FAQs below.


Explore Artwork from Create Fearlessly 2025

Explore selected works inspired by the 2025 prompt: “Imagine How It Feels to Be Fearless.”

This challenge was such a fun experience. I loved reconnecting with my inner child, finding inspiration, and experimenting with a new approach to creating art. The prompt gave me space to explore a new part of artistic voice and be fearless in the process.
— Alyse Arteaga

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • We welcome artists of all backgrounds and experience levels who feel connected to our mission and are excited to explore this creative experience. At Give Kids Art, everyone is an artist!

  • Artists will be selected based on alignment with Give Kids Art’s mission, creativity, and the spirit of this year’s theme. We aim to include a diverse, thoughtful group of creators whose work reflects the power of imagination, hope, and self-expression.

  • Each artist will receive an Art Kit similar to those shared with children in our programs.

    The Art Kit is intended as a creative starting point — an invitation to explore, experiment, and interpret freely.

    The Art Kits may include the following:

    • White mixed media paper

    • Black construction paper

    • White paint pens

    • 8 × 10 canvas

    • White cardboard craft panel

    • Crayons

    • Watercolor set

    • Paint brushes

    • Oil pastels

    • Colored markers

    • Colored pencils

    • Kids scissors

    • Pipe cleaners

    • Black pen

    • Packs of white model magic

    • No. 2 pencil

    • Mini blank notebooks

    • Permanent marker

    • Glitter glue 

    • Elmer's glue stick

    • This year’s prompt!

    • And more

  • There are no size or dimension constraints as long as you are willing and able to ship your artwork to a buyer!

  • Artists are encouraged to approach their work in whatever way feels most authentic to their practice. The Art Kit serves as a point of inspiration, but there are no strict limitations on materials.

  • When your artwork is done, we will ask that you send high quality photos of it to us, so we can place it for bid in our online auction! Then, you’ll hold onto it until the 10-day auction concludes. If your piece is purchased, you will be responsible for shipping the artwork to the buyer. Give Kids Art will handle the coordination between you!

    You’re also welcome to apply non-aesthetic finishes to help preserve your piece, such as a sealant or varnish.

  • If you are selected to participate and receive an Art Kit but are not able to complete your artwork for some reason, we kindly ask that you make a donation of $35 to Give Kids Art to cover the supplies we sent to you plus the shipping expense.

    Please look closely at the timeline to ensure that you are able to participate in the full process before applying.

  • Selected artists will receive this year’s prompt in their Art Kits!

  • With your permission, we would love to add your artwork to our online store for future buyers to see! All sales from our online shop directly support our programs.

  • Yes, please! This is part of the fun! When you submit photos of your final piece, you will have the opportunity to share with us what supplies you used to bring it to life.

Cover image credit: Maria Costa