Bow Seat's 2026 Ocean Awareness Contest – Your Story, Our Ocean – encourages you to explore the many ways our ocean sustains, protects, and inspires us. Bow Seat invites you to think about your personal connection to the ocean – whether you’re coastal or landlocked – through the value it brings to your life. The benefits of the ocean are widespread and multifaceted, from food production to climate regulation to artistic inspiration. Go through the sub-themes and explore the topics that resonate with you. Share how the ocean has shaped your story through art, writing, performance, film, or multimedia. How does the ocean sustain, protect, and inspire you?

Be sure to check out Bow Seat's past winners and explore the broader Resource Studio for ideas and guidance.

Quick Contest Details:

• Free to enter
• Open to students worldwide between the ages of 11 - 18
• Cash awards up to $1,000
• Submit by June 8, 2026
• Submissions accepted in:
• • Visual Art: Handcrafted
  • Visual Art: Digital
  • Creative Writing
  • Film
  • Poetry & Spoken Word
  • Performing Arts
  • Interactive & Multimedia 
• Explore the Submission Requirements to learn more about the Categories.