Pacific Islands ESA@50 Ocean Art Contest
K–12 students in the Pacific Islands region can celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act by entering our ESA@50 Ocean Art Contest. Winning artwork will be featured in digital and in-person exhibitions.
About
The ESA@50 Ocean Art Contest is closed. Check out the winning artwork!
Calling all ocean lovers in grades K–12! Share your love for endangered ocean animals through art! We invite youth in American Samoa, the Mariana Islands, and Hawai‘i to celebrate 50 years of protecting marine life under the Endangered Species Act by entering our ESA@50 Art Contest.
Since 1973, NOAA Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have been working to protect and recover some of the most vulnerable wildlife on our planet under the Endangered Species Act. Join NOAA and partners in celebrating the success of the Endangered Species Act over the years—and acknowledging the work ahead in a changing climate.
In the Pacific Islands region, these protections are critical to the survival of some of our most beloved ocean critters—from whales and dolphins to sharks and corals.
Subject Matter
Artwork must feature threatened or endangered species in the Pacific Islands region. These include:
- Marine Protected Species of American Samoa
- Marine Protected Species of the Mariana Islands
- Marine Protected Species of the Hawaiian Islands
We encourage you to explore facts about the species you choose to represent, such as appearance, behavior, habitat, and threats to their survival. You might even learn what organizations are doing to help protect and recover them!
Entry Requirements
To be eligible, artwork must be the original work of K–12 students from:
- American Samoa
- Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
- Guam
- Hawai‘i
Artwork also must be in the form of a painting, print, drawing, collage, sculpture, mixed media, or digital illustration. Digital illustrations must be the artist’s original illustrations and may not feature any material that is copied from the internet or other digital sources that are copyrighted or others’ work. Tracing or use of artificial intelligence to develop your art is not permitted. Do not include brand names, logos, or trademarks.
How to Submit Your Artwork
Submit entries through the form below. Entries must include:
- Artwork title
- High-quality representation (scan or photograph) of your art, or digital file
- Basic contact information for participants
- Grade level
- Medium(s) used in the artwork (for example, pencil, watercolor, etc.)
- Image use agreement
- Teachers: You may use the materials release form (PDF, 1 page) for parents/guardians.
- Individuals: Please use the agreement within the submission form.
If the panel of judges selects your artwork for the public exhibition, we may request that you mail or drop off the original piece, as possible.
Submission Deadline
- American Samoa: 11:59 p.m. SST on November 30, 2023
- Hawai‘i: 11:59 p.m. HST on November 30, 2023
- CNMI & Guam: 11:59 p.m. ChST on December 1, 2023
- Submit Your Entry
Judging
Art will be judged by a panel of scientists, educators, artists, and cultural practitioners from across the Pacific Islands region. Submissions will be placed within the following divisions.
- Grades K–2
- Grades 3–5
- Grades 6–8
- Grades 9–12
NOAA Fisheries and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will announce contest winners in December 2023.
Prizes
Winning Entries
- Artwork featured in an exhibition and online art gallery
- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards
- Artist prize pack
Honorable Mention
- Artwork featured in online art gallery
- Certificate of achievement
All Participants
- Electronic certificate of participation
Contact Us
If you have questions or need special accommodations to participate, please contact pir.education@noaa.gov or (808) 265-7665.