CLASSIC ART
2027 Young Artists and Authors Showcase
Explore the 2027 Theme
A Tapestry of Cultures and the Threads That Connect Us
Tacoma Sister Cities invites young artists to explore the connections that bring people and cultures together through the 2027 Young Artists and Authors Showcase.
Every culture, community, and individual contributes a unique thread to the tapestry of our interconnected world. Our traditions, languages, histories, and perspectives enrich one another, creating stronger communities through understanding and collaboration.
This year's theme encourages students to reflect on friendship, cultural exchange, and shared experiences. How can we bridge differences, celebrate diversity, and build a more peaceful future?
Just as every thread contributes to a tapestry, every individual can strengthen the bonds between communities. Use your artwork to express what connects us.
Classic Art Submission Guidelines
Students may submit one original artwork in this category. All submissions must meet the following requirements:
- Submission Format: Submit one photograph of one original artwork.
- Image Quality: Photographs of artwork must have a resolution of at least 180 dpi so judges can clearly evaluate the work.
- Artwork Type: Only two-dimensional (2D), unframed artwork is accepted.
- Maximum Dimensions: Artwork must not exceed 24 × 36 inches.
- Accepted Media: Oil, acrylic, watercolor, charcoal, colored pencil, and mixed media on paper or canvas.
- Originality: All artwork must be the student's original creation. Plagiarized, stolen, or copied artwork is prohibited.
- Copyright Restrictions: Copyrighted or trademarked images may not be incorporated into submitted artwork.
- Respect for Others: Entries must not defame or violate the rights of any person, living or dead.
All entries must comply with the Sister Cities International Plagiarism Policy .
All submitted artwork must be the student's own original creation. Artwork created wholly or partially using generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools is strictly prohibited.
This includes AI-generated images, illustrations, backgrounds, or other visual elements, even when those elements have been modified or reproduced by hand.
Students must create their artwork themselves using traditional artistic techniques and materials. Generative AI may not be used to create any portion of the submitted work.
Entries containing AI-generated content will be disqualified.
Who Can Enter?
The Showcase welcomes eligible students ages 12–18 from Tacoma and its international sister cities.
Group A: Tacoma Students, Ages 12–14
Group B: Tacoma Students, Ages 15–18
Group C: International Sister City Students
Need Inspiration?
Your artwork can interpret any aspect of the theme. Consider these questions as a starting point for your creative process.
- What cultures, traditions, or experiences have shaped who you are, and how can you share them with others?
- What "threads" connect people across different cultures, countries, and communities?
- How can learning about other cultures build understanding, empathy, and respect?
- What traditions from the past should we carry forward into the future?
- If you could weave together ideas, traditions, or values from different cultures, what would you create?
- What does a future of peace and intercultural understanding look like? What role can young people play?
- How can cultural exchange bring people together despite different backgrounds?
- What do you wish people around the world understood about your culture or community?
- If the world were a tapestry, what would you add to it?
- What connections can we create today to make tomorrow more peaceful and united?
- How can Sister Cities partnerships strengthen connections between cultures and build peace?
These questions are suggestions, not requirements. We encourage you to explore the theme in your own unique way.
Important Submission Dates
Ready to Share Your Creativity?
Bring your vision to life and show us the threads that connect our world.
SUBMIT AN ENTRYEntries accepted November 16, 2026 through March 5, 2027.