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2026 IYAC Junior is a premium global art platform where rising young artists showcase their unique creative visions on the world stage. Moving beyond a conventional competition, this journey offers aspiring talents a rare opportunity to exhibit their work at the prestigious Cosmos Gallery in Chelsea, Manhattan, New York, the beating heart of the global art world.

Selected 'Winners' will be honored with the New Jersey State Senator’s Award, lending international prestige to their artistic achievements. Furthermore, all exhibited artworks will be officially published in the IYAC Junior Winners Art Book, turning a brilliant experience into a lifelong, documented milestone. Displayed in the center of Chelsea, these works will connect directly with local art enthusiasts. This grand New York stage will instill unparalleled confidence and leave an indelible mark on every participant's journey. Embark on this thrilling journey with 2026 IYAC Junior and watch your potential soar on the global stage.

2026 IYAC Junior is a premium global art platform where rising young artists showcase their unique creative visions on the world stage. Moving beyond a conventional competition, this journey offers aspiring talents a rare opportunity to exhibit their work at the prestigious Cosmos Gallery in Chelsea, Manhattan, New York, the beating heart of the global art world.

Selected 'Winners' will be honored with the New Jersey State Senator’s Award, lending international prestige to their artistic achievements. Furthermore, all exhibited artworks will be officially published in the IYAC Junior Winners Art Book, turning a brilliant experience into a lifelong, documented milestone. Displayed in the center of Chelsea, these works will connect directly with local art enthusiasts. This grand New York stage will instill unparalleled confidence and leave an indelible mark on every participant's journey. Embark on this thrilling journey with 2026 IYAC Junior and watch your potential soar on the global stage.

[Official Publication of the 2026 IYAC Junior Art Book]

The 2026 IYAC Junior aims to transform your artistic achievements on the New York stage into a permanent archive. Beyond a one-time exhibition, winning entry will be officially published in a professionally curated art book.

This process ensures your creative journey is preserved as a prestigious global asset. Finalizing your New York experience in this professional record will mark your most definitive debut in the international art world.

1. Special Award: New Jersey State Senator’s Award

Presented by: Hon. Gordon M. Johnson (New Jersey State Senator)
Awarded to: 1 top-ranked individuals selected as ‘Winner’
Recognition: This prestigious award recognizes outstanding young artists, fostering their creative vision and future potential.

2. Exhibition Opportunities

Selected finalists will be eligible for an offline exhibition at Cosmos Gallery (New York).
Exhibited works will be professionally documented via photo and video for our digital archive.

3. Certificates & Recognition

Official Award Certificates (Winner, Gold, Silver, Bronze)
Special Award Certification (New Jersey State Senator’s Award)
Exhibition Participation Certificates
Global showcase of all selected artworks on our official website

• Event Name	2026 6th IYAC Global Junior Art Contest
• Artwork Size	No restrictions (Recommended ratio 1:1.4)
• Categories	Paintings, Drawings, and Photography (No material restrictions / Digital art included)
• Submission	[Round 1 & Final] Online Submission
• Theme	We Are Connected ※ Required: Artwork Title (approx. 50 characters) and Description (approx. 500 characters) in English
• Eligibility	Worldwide, Ages 5-12 (Judged by age group: 5-7, 8-10, 11-12) [Go to Youth Competition (Ages 13–19)]
• Entry Period	May 06, 2026 – July 15, 2026
• Jury	Dale Clifford (Chief Reader for AP Art and Design; Dean of Academics at SCAD) Prof. Jangsoon Im (Professor of Oriental Painting at Ewha Womans University)
• Entry Fee	$35 USD ※ Multiple entries are allowed per account (No limit on the number of submissions per person)
• Results	Round 1: July 24, 2026 / Final: August 10, 2026
• Exhibition	Selected artworks will be printed and displayed by the host * 1:1.4 aspect ratio
• Organizer	MySLide Corp.
• Partners	Korean Air · GSEF Foundation · Cosmos Gallery
• Inquiries	admin@myslide.org

The theme for the 2026 IYAC Junior is "We Are Connected." We invite young creators to explore how a single stroke of a brush can spark a meaningful conversation with friends, family, and the wider world.
Just as a blooming flower welcomes a honeybee, or a warm greeting kindles a new friendship, everything in our world is beautifully intertwined. We cannot wait to see how your imagination takes flight on the grand stage of New York City, creating a one-of-a-kind connection. Bring your shining stories to life, and let your journey unfold from your fingertips to the world.

• Event Name	2026 6th IYAC Global Junior Art Contest
• Artwork Size	No restrictions (Recommended ratio 1:1.4)
• Categories	Paintings, Drawings, and Photography (No material restrictions / Digital art included)
• Submission	[Round 1 & Final] Online Submission
• Theme	We Are Connected ※ Required: Artwork Title (approx. 50 characters) and Description (approx. 500 characters) in English or Korean.
• Eligibility	Worldwide, Ages 5-12 (Judged by age group: 5-7, 8-10, 11-12) [Go to Youth Competition (Ages 13–19)]
• Entry Period	May 06, 2026 – July 15, 2026
• Jury	Dale Clifford (Chief Reader for AP Art and Design; Dean of Academics at SCAD) Prof. Jangsoon Im (Professor of Oriental Painting at Ewha Womans University)
• Entry Fee	$35 USD ※ Multiple entries are allowed per account (No limit on the number of submissions per person)
• Results	Round 1: July 24, 2026 / Final: August 10, 2026
• Exhibition	Selected artworks will be printed and displayed by the host * 1:1.4 aspect ratio
• Organizer	MySLide Corp.
• Partners	Korean Air · GSEF Foundation · Cosmos Gallery
• Inquiries	admin@myslide.org

The theme for the 2026 IYAC Junior is "We Are Connected." We invite young creators to explore how a single stroke of a brush can spark a meaningful conversation with friends, family, and the wider world.
Just as a blooming flower welcomes a honeybee, or a warm greeting kindles a new friendship, everything in our world is beautifully intertwined. We cannot wait to see how your imagination takes flight on the grand stage of New York City, creating a one-of-a-kind connection. Bring your shining stories to life, and let your journey unfold from your fingertips to the world.

• Eligibility	Finalists & Exhibition Registered Artworks
* Without exhibition registration, you are excluded from final evaluation. Instead, an Honorable Mention is automatically awarded, and the main prize goes to the runner-up.
• Venue	COSMOS GALLERY (New York)
• Address	547 W 27RD ST. #428, NEW YORK, NY 10001
• Exhibition Dates	Aug 19 (Wed) – Aug 23 (Sun), 2026
• Exhibition Fee	$200 USD
• Exhibition Benefits	Complimentary 2026 IYAC Junior Art Book *(Valued at $30 USD / 1 copy per person) High-Quality Printing of Artworks Professional installation and display at Cosmos GALLERY in Chelsea, NY Artwork Photography & Online Exhibition Support Certificate of Award Delivered Post-Exhibition

• Eligibility	Finalists & Exhibition Registered Artworks * Without exhibition registration, you are excluded from final evaluation. Instead, an Honorable Mention is automatically awarded, and the main prize goes to the runner-up.
• Venue	COSMOS GALLERY (New York)
• Address	547 W 27RD ST. #428, NEW YORK, NY 10001
• Exhibition Dates	Aug 19 (Wed) – Aug 23 (Sun), 2026
• Exhibition Fee	$200 USD
• Benefits	Complimentary 2026 IYAC Junior Art Book *(Valued at $30 USD / 1 copy per person) High-Quality Printing of Artworks Professional installation and display at Cosmos GALLERY in Chelsea, NY Artwork Photography & Online Exhibition Support Certificate of Award Delivered Post-Exhibition

Prof. Dale Clifford

2026 IYAC JURY

Dale Clifford | Dean of Academics at SCAD / Chief Reader for AP Art and Design

Current Position	Dean of Academics, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Chief Reader for AP Art and Design, Appointed by the College Board
Experience	Led the development of the 2019 AP Art and Design Portfolio rubrics Former Chairperson and Professor of Visual Communication at American University in Dubai
Education	MFA in Printmaking, Clemson University BFA in Printmaking, Miami University
Exhibitions	Extensive record of exhibitions across 12 countries, including North America, Europe, and Asia.

Prof. Jangsoon Im

2026 IYAC JURY

Jangsoon Im | Professor of Oriental Painting, Ewha Womans University

Education	B.F.A. and Ph.D. in Oriental Painting, Seoul National University M.F.A., School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)
Exhibitions & Residencies	15 Solo Exhibitions and over 100 Group Exhibitions worldwide MFA Houston Core Program, Bemis Center, Youngeun Museum Studio, etc.
Awards & Grants	Artadia Awards, Arts Council Korea (ARKO), Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture, and more.
Collections	MMCA Art Bank, Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Seoul Metropolitan Government, Ministry of National Defense, Youngeun Museum of Contemporary Art, SNU Museum of Art.

Evaluation Guide

Criteria	Description
Theme Interpretation	Based on the theme “We Are Connected,” this evaluates how purely and creatively the artist captures their warm connections with the surrounding world—such as family, friends, nature, and animals—from a child's unique perspective.
Global Potential	This examines the artist's brilliant potential to transcend language and cultural barriers, bringing a warm smile and universal empathy to people worldwide. It assesses whether their clear gaze holds the power to resonate on a global stage.
Artistic Originality	This evaluates whether the artwork reflects free imagination and honest stories, unconfined by conventional adult frameworks. It looks at how uniquely the concept of 'connection' is visualized through fresh colors and engaging compositions.
Execution & Dedication	This provides a comprehensive evaluation of how joyfully and deeply the artist immersed themselves in the creative process, and how dedicatedly they brought their thoughts to life across the canvas. It ensures that the child’s sincere effort shines through the entire piece.
Expressive Impact	This considers how clearly and intimately the story and heart behind the artwork reach the audience. It evaluates the expressive power to naturally foster a visual and emotional connection, allowing viewers to resonate with the pure innocence of the child.

Awards & Benefits

Award Category	Benefits
WINNER	US New Jersey State Senator Gordon M. Johnson’s Award (1 Winner) Eligibility for the NY Exhibition at Cosmos Gallery (New York) 2026 IYAC Junior Winners Art Book (1 copy per winning piece) Certificate of Exhibition & Certificate of Sale (Upon participation/sale) Artwork photography and online feature
GOLD MEDAL	Official Certificate from the 2026 IYAC Junior Organizer Eligibility for the NY Exhibition at Cosmos Gallery (New York) 2026 IYAC Junior Winners Art Book (1 copy per winning piece) Certificate of Exhibition & Certificate of Sale (Upon participation/sale) Artwork photography and online feature
SILVER MEDAL	Official Certificate from the 2026 IYAC Junior Organizer Eligibility for the NY Exhibition at Cosmos Gallery (New York) 2026 IYAC Junior Winners Art Book (1 copy per winning piece) Certificate of Exhibition & Certificate of Sale (Upon participation/sale) Artwork photography and online feature
BRONZE MEDAL	Official Certificate from the 2026 IYAC Junior Organizer Eligibility for the NY Exhibition at Cosmos Gallery (New York) 2026 IYAC Junior Winners Art Book (1 copy per winning piece) Certificate of Exhibition & Certificate of Sale (Upon participation/sale) Artwork photography and online feature
HONORABLE MENTION	Official Certificate from the 2026 IYAC Organizer Artwork online feature

Competition Process

Process / Timeline (2026)	Details
Global Online Submission May 6 – Jul 15	Go to the official platform: portfolioroom.org Sign up and fill out the participant profile (Accurate info required for certificate issuance). Select '2026 IYAC Global Junior Art Contest' from the entry list. Upload a high-quality photo of your artwork and fill in the artwork specifications. Agree to the submission terms, process the entry fee payment, and complete your submission.
Preliminary Judging Results: Jul 24	Check results on the official platform announcements page (portfolioroom.org/announces) Artworks that pass the preliminary round are qualified to participate in the '2026 IYAC Junior NY Winners Exhibition.' *All artworks that pass the preliminary round and register for the exhibition are guaranteed an award.
Exhibition Registration Jul 24 – Jul 30	New York offline exhibition registration opens for the preliminary round qualifiers (finalists). Failure to register within the period will result in disqualification from the final round. An Honorable Mention will be awarded instead, and the finalist spot will pass to the next runner-up.
Premium Printing Jul 31 – Aug 10	The organizer manages and handles HD printing production directly for the New York offline exhibition.
Final Results Announced: Aug 10	Final evaluation of selected artworks takes place. Final judging results will be notified individually.
Winners Exhibition Aug 19 – Aug 23	[New York Offline Exhibition] Official offline exhibition of winning artworks hosted at Cosmos Gallery in Chelsea, New York.
Certificate Shipping From Aug 26	Production of official physical certificates and secure mailing to the registered addresses begins.

Notes for Submission

Artwork Type	Specifications & Guidelines
Traditional Art (Painting, Drawing, Sketch, etc.)	Submission Method: Please upload a high-quality scan or a straight, clear photo of your artwork as an image file. Recommended Size: 2000px or higher on the longest side (Max file size: 5MB) File Format: JPG, PNG Photo Guidelines: Take the photo in a bright area, facing the artwork directly to avoid shadows or distortion. (Physical artworks should not be shipped.)
Digital Art & Photography (Tablet Graphics, Illustration, etc.)	Submission Method: Please upload the original digital image file or the original unedited photo file. Recommended Size: 2000px or higher on the longest side (Max file size: 5MB) File Format: JPG, PNG

All registration and submission details must be filled out accurately and completely.
1. All information, including your profile details and submitted artwork images, can be modified at any time on the edit page before the official submission deadline.
2. If required fields are missing or entered incorrectly, or if another person's artwork or corrupted image files are submitted, you will be disqualified from the final judging. The organizer is not liable for any resulting disadvantages.
This competition is evaluated entirely online from the preliminary round to the final stage based on image submissions. Therefore, offline or physical artwork submissions are not accepted.
If a system error occurs while uploading your artwork online, please take a screenshot and immediately report it to the administrator email (admin@myslide.org).

Exhibition Policy

If your submitted artwork passes the preliminary round, you will be notified individually via your registered email and phone number. You can then proceed with the New York exhibition registration on the official website.
Participants will be disqualified from the final judging if exhibition registration is not completed within the official registration period. In this case, exhibition participation is not permitted, and the artwork will automatically be awarded an Honorable Mention, with the finalist eligibility passed to the next runner-up.
Certificates and related documents for final winners who have completed official registration will be shipped based on the member profile information provided on the official submission platform, portfolioroom.org . Please ensure your information is up to date, as the organizer is not liable for shipping errors due to incorrectly entered personal information.
Official photos and digital archives of the New York on-site exhibition will be available online after the event concludes via your individual Digital Portfolio Room and the Notice page on the platform.