Open to students from KS1-5 (Year 1 to Year 13), this year’s competition explores the theme “Journeys: Near and Far”, inviting young artists to reflect on movement, identity, discovery and perspective across both physical and emotional landscapes.
From personal experiences to global exploration and imagined worlds, students are encouraged to interpret the idea of journeys in their own unique visual language.
Where will your art take you?
Participant Eligibility
The competition will be open to all FOBISIA member schools, with the following categories:
Key Stage 1 (Years 1–2)
Key Stage 2 (Years 3–6)
Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9)
Key Stage 4 & 5 (Years 10–13)
Theme Description
“Journeys: Near and Far”
A journey can be something you see, something you feel, or something you imagine. It can happen across a continent, across a room or inside your mind. Your artwork can show a journey you have taken, one you dream about, or one you believe the world needs to take.
This theme welcomes all styles, stories and interpretations - big or small.
Accepted Art Forms
To encourage flexibility and diversity, entries may include:
Drawing (pencil, pen, charcoal, mixed media)
Painting (watercolour, acrylic, gouache, oils)
Collage
Printmaking
Digital art (AI-generated artwork is not accepted)
Photography
3D works (sculpture, ceramics, textiles)*
Artist Statements
Students must provide a short written explanation. Guidance by key stage:
KS1: 1–2 sentences describing their artwork
KS2: 30–50 words
KS3–5: 50–100 words
Statements should reflect the student’s interpretation of the theme.
Submission Details
Submissions should be handed the Artwork to Visual Art teachers
Grade 1: Ms Mandakh
Grade 2 and 3: Ms. Zulaa
Grade 4 and 5: Ms. Nyamaa
Middle School: Mr. Dawka
High School: Mr. Chinges
Artwork should be clearly labelled using the following format: Grade_KeyStage_StudentName
For example: Grade 1_KS2_Nandin
The Artist Statement should also be labelled using the same format.
Judging Criteria
A panel made up of All Visual Art Teachers will evaluate the artworks based on:
Creativity & Originality – Innovative interpretation of the theme
Expression & Communication – Clarity of message, emotional impact
Technical Skill – Appropriate to age group and medium
Use of Medium – Effective and purposeful artistic choices
Relevance to Theme – Clear connection to “Journeys: Near and Far”
Each criterion will be scored out of 10.
Awards & Recognition
For this internal round, we will award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place prizes within the school.
The Top 1 winning artwork from our internal round will be officially selected and submitted online to the global FOBISIA Art Competition.
Key Dates
Competition Launch (Start Date): Term 1, Week 5
Submission Deadline: Term 2, Week 3 (Monday)
In-School Exhibition & Review: Term 2, Week 3
Judging Panel: Term 2, Week 4 (Friday) internal school-wide competition
Submitted to Fobisia Art Competition on online: Selected TOP 1 artwork internal school-wide competition
Awards Presentation: Term 2, Week 5 (Prizes and certificates will be handed out during Assembly) Internal school-wide competition