2026-2027 Application Cycle: We Look Back, We Move Ahead
“You can't help it. An artist's duty, as far as I'm concerned, is to reflect the times.”
―Â
Artists have played a vital role in society over the centuries, both reflecting on and shaping the cultural landscapes of their times. They shed light on new ideas, question the status quo, or bring new perspectives or ways of seeing something that hadn’t been shown in that way before. Just by creating a painting, a poem, a song, they open up new ways to think about something or have a conversation on things that are hard to talk about. They create pathways to make it easier to have difficult conversations. And when doing it right, they create spaces for people of all backgrounds and abilities to be seen and feel safe.
Teen Arts NJ invites students (grades 9-12) to create an original creative work or facilitate a creative cultural community event under this year’s category: We Look Back, We Move Ahead.
We invite artists to submit visual, performing or literary based works that examine our collective histories, pivotal points that defined the times or changed the trajectory of the future, or those who made great impacts on the world around them. Artists are also invited to explore ideas on what the future may hold, whether we continue on our current path or make pivotal choices to affect change in society.
How has our history affected society today? How do we affect our futures?
Some topics to think about include:
- Historical figures (well known or lesser known) that inspired movements, challenged the status quo, or changed the way we see others
- Pivotal moments in history, the changed thoughts, perceptions, and how we live, such as: an election, a famous speech, or a widely televised event that became headline news or debated.
- Political movements that reshaped society, such as: the Civil Rights Movement, Women's Movement, Labor Movements, LGBTQ Movements and more.
- Futures not yet written: what do you see will come next, based on what you see here and now?
We encourage submissions that inspire dialogue and action for positive change, as we examine our histories, and strive for equitable futures.
Selected artists will be invited to exhibit their original artwork for exhibition in 2027. Visual artists will have their work on display, while performing artists will be invited to perform their work live during the opening reception. Community Arts Advocates will be invited to give a panel discussion on their project, and how it impacted their community. Filmed performances and community arts events will be kept on display throughout the duration of the exhibition alongside visual artworks and literary ephemera.
***In addition to showcasing your work, we will award Honorariums of $500 to Individual Artists in literary, visual, and performing arts, showing exceptional skill and creativity in their medium.
***Collaborative Groups and Community Arts Advocates can earn a stipend of $1,000 to the school arts department, art related club or other organization.
Who can Apply
Students (Grades 9-12) can apply to our Open Call to Artists of Creative Change Makers as a Solo/Individual Artist, a Collaborative Group (2-4 students), or as Collective Community Arts Advocates (5-9 students).
- Solo/Individual artists can apply under the following categories: visual, literary, or performing arts.Â
- Collaborative groups are invited to work together to merge artistic disciplines to create a singular cohesive work.Â
- Community Arts Advocates will work together to create a meaningful event meant to celebrate various artforms, while educating and strengthening the community.
Below you can find more detailed descriptions of each category:
Solo Artist:
These are just some of the ways you can create an original work of art related to sustainable arts in visual, literary, or performing arts as an individual artist. If you are interested in creating something that is not listed below, feel free to contact us with your original idea.
Visual artists are encouraged to create innovative works, repurposing discarded objects or compelling visuals that advocate for ecological stewardship, in drawing, painting, 2-d mixed media or sculpture.
Literary artists can write a poem, essay, short story, memoir, or short screenplay highlighting the effects of climate change and environmental impacts on the planet at large, our futures, communities, or individuals. Take an extra step and record yourself reading what you’ve written aloud.
Performing artists can write and record an original song inspiring hope for societal action or change in how we interact with the environment, serve a warning of inaction, or comment on how climate change is already impacting our homes and communities.
Collaborative Group: 2-4 participants
Collaborative Groups are encouraged to apply using multiple disciplines of artistic expression to create one cohesive artwork.
–Artists, writers and performers are invited to collaborate with one another to combine their talents to make a work that combines the creative arts. For instance, a writer may want to write a poem in response to their partner’s painting or drawing, or a dancer may want to interact with a sculpture on stage, with another team member’s original song.
Below are just some of the ways you can work as a collaborative team or group to develop a multidisciplinary work of art together. If you are interested in collaborating with a group of peers in another way that is not listed below, feel free to contact us with your collaborative idea.
Writers and Musicians: Write and produce an original song together. Record the final product.
Writers and Actors/Performers: Write an original one act play. Record a table read or live performance of the scene with performing artists.
Writers and Visual Artists: Respond to one another’s work. Writers may respond to a visual arts piece, writing a poem or short story about an artwork. Visual artists may also respond to a writing piece, illustrating the written word.
Musicians and Visual Artists: Respond to one another’s work. Musicians may respond to a visual arts piece, through a song or melody. Visual artists may also respond to a musical piece, illustrating the song lyrics and sounds.
Musicians and Dancers: Write and record an original song. Dancers can then choreograph an original dance to accompany the song. Record the performance.
Musicians, Dancers, Writers, Visual Artists: Work together to produce a live performance with visual elements, written and performed together. Will the visual art be the focal point, or act as background scenery? Will there be written dialog, music, dance? Document and record your final collaborative work.
Community Arts Advocates: 5-9 participants
Community Arts Advocates can create a public art installation or an arts based event or workshop with their collective and additional community members. Some forms of public art include:
–painting a community mural
–public art installations or sculptures inside public spaces, such as a school, library, park, community center, etc.
–mini art galleries, similar to a mini library
–curate and exhibit a group art exhibition; this can be held at your school, local library, community center, or even in your home or backyard
–organize a parade; make costumes and props related to the theme; play music while walking through the streets
–Organize an open mic night with poets, writers and musicians
–Create and perform an original play or musical
–Organize a dance recital
–Organize and facilitate an educational art workshop, public speakers, or other community connection arts event related to the theme