Create Fearlessly 2026: An Invitation to Artists

Create Fearlessly invites artists to respond to a shared prompt exploring curiosity, imagination, and creative freedom.

Selected works will be featured in an online exhibition and auction benefiting Give Kids Art.

Join a growing community of artists using creativity to inspire the next generation.

Apply to Participate

About GIVE KIDS ART

Founded in 2019, Give Kids Art is a national nonprofit organization providing free, process-based visual art experiences that foster creativity, confidence, and social-emotional growth for children in need.

To date, Give Kids Art has served over 12,000 children across 14 states through seasonal programming, workshops, and thousands of Art Kits.

SOme Featured Partners

We work with organizations across the arts, education, nonprofit, and corporate sectors to help children create fearlessly.

Featured Artist from Create Fearlessly 2025

David Daigle is a Los Angeles–based artist, photographer, and educator whose work is represented by Track 16 Gallery in Los Angeles and held in the permanent collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).

David participated in Create Fearlessly 2025, responding to the prompt "Imagine How It Feels to Be Fearless."

Participation Details:

Who Should Apply

Create Fearlessly welcomes artists working across disciplines and career stages, including:

  • Painters

  • Illustrators

  • Sculptors

  • Mixed media artists

  • Designers

  • Photographers

  • Multidisciplinary artists

Artists are encouraged to respond to the prompt in whatever medium best reflects their creative practice.

Why Participate

  • Featured in Create Fearlessly online exhibition

  • Artist spotlight opportunities across our channels

  • Support youth creativity nationwide

  • Join a growing community of participating artists

  • Contribute to a meaningful creative initiative

TIMELINE

  • May 31st — Artist Applications Due

  • June 10th — Artists Notified

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

  • August 31st — Final Artwork Images Due

  • October 8th - 18th — Online 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.

Frequently asked questions:

  • 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.

  • Selected artists will receive the official Create Fearlessly prompt along with a small package of creative materials designed to spark exploration and serve as a starting point for the project.

    Participation is not limited to those materials. Artists are encouraged to interpret the prompt freely using their own medium and creative process.

    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 small package of supplies we will provide 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.

Apply for Create Fearlessly 2026

Applications close June 5, 2026.

Thank You for Considering Create Fearlessly

Whether you're applying this year or simply learning more about our work, thank you for supporting creativity and self-expression for children. If you have questions, we'd love to hear from you.

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