YouCreate Competition | University for the Creative Arts

Embrace Your Weird: A Celebration of Creativity

We want to see your imagination run wild, your creativity unleashed, and your unique take on what “weird” means to you. Whether it’s something surreal, silly, unexpected, or deeply thought-provoking or perhaps a celebration of individuality and what makes us all different, we want to see your vision come to life.

Whatever your interpretation, this is your chance to express yourself and share your creativity with the world.

From fashion and film to music, painting, photography, or writing, this is your opportunity to showcase your creative voice and have your work recognised by the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) and the Kent & Medway Collaborative Outreach Programme (KaMCOP).

Competition categories

This year’s competition features three exciting categories:

Years 7–10
For students in Years 7, 8, 9, or 10 (born between 01/09/2010 and 31/08/2014).
Years 11–13 and FE equivalent
For students in Years 11, 12, or 13, and FE equivalents (born between 01/09/2007 and 31/08/2010).
School and college staff
For teachers and support staff working in schools or colleges that teach students in Years 7–13 or FE (students must be born between 01/09/2007 and 31/08/2014).

New for this year: the staff category – giving teachers and support staff the chance to share their creativity alongside their students.

Prizes

There are some amazing prizes up for grabs this year!

Students have the chance to win an Apple iPad as the top prize, plus a selection of art supplies to support their creative journey.
School and college staff winners will receive art supplies for their school or college, helping to inspire creativity in future students.
All winners will also have the opportunity to have their work exhibited at UCA in Summer 2026, alongside other talented creatives from across the UK.

Get inspired

Think outside the box. Embrace your inner weirdness. Let your creativity shine.
We can’t wait to see what you create!

Deadline for entries is 31 May 2026.

Enter now

Competition information

Prizes

There are some great prizes up for grabs, including an iPad and art supplies.

A 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize will be awarded in each of two categories.

1. Year 7-10 Category

For those in Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 (born between 01/09/2010 and 31/08/2014).

1st prize – Apple iPad.
2nd prize – Art supplies (worth up to £100).
3rd prize – Art supplies (worth up to £75).

2. Year 11-13 and FE equivalents Category

For those in Year 10, 11, 12, 13 and FE equivalents (born between 01/09/2007 and 31/08/2010).

1st prize – Apple iPad.
2nd prize – Art supplies (worth up to £100).
3rd prize – Art supplies (worth up to £75).

3. School and College Staff

For teachers and support staff working in schools or colleges that teach students in Years 7–13 or FE (students must be born between 01/09/2007 and 31/08/2014).

1st Prize: Art supplies for your school/college worth £150.
2nd Prize: Art supplies for your school/college worth £75.
3rd Prize: Art supplies for your school/college worth £50.

Eligibility

The YouCreate Competition is open to students who are aged 11 to 18 years old, living in the United Kingdom. To enter you must be in Years 7-13 or an FE equivalent, and born between 01/09/2007 and 31/08/2014.

Terms & Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit a group entry?

We cannot accept group entries.

How old do I have to be to enter the YouCreate Competition?

To enter you must be in Years 7-13 or an FE equivalent, and born between 01/09/2007 and 31/08/2014.

Can I submit an entry if I don't live in the United Kingdom?

We cannot accept entries from outside the United Kingdom.

How many entries can I submit?

You can only submit one entry per person.

What type of art can be submitted?

We accept any form of artwork – such as sculpture, animation, photography, painting, poetry and short films.

Whatever art form you choose, you must be able to upload a photo or URL link of your piece.

Is there a fee to enter?

No, our competition is totally free to enter.

Can I post you my entry?

Unfortunately, we can only accept entries via our online form. Please take a photo of your artwork and upload it to us via the entry form.

How will the competition be judged?

The artwork will be judged by a panel of judges including internal UCA staff and creative industry experts.

How will I know if I’ve won?

Winners will be announced at the private view (opening night) of the competition exhibition, or notified by email if they are unable to attend this event. The exhibition private view will be in July 2026 at UCA Canterbury campus.

Can my teacher submit my entry?

Each entry needs to be uploaded by the entrant, if younger than 13 or their parent/ guardian.

Will I get feedback on my entry?

Due to the large number of submissions, we are unable to provide individual feedback.

Can I use AI or digital tools in my artwork?

Yes, you can use digital tools such as drawing tablets, photo editing software, or animation programs to create your piece. However, if you use AI-generated elements, you must clearly state this in your description and explain how you used them as part of your creative process.

What happens if my entry doesn’t meet the theme?

Your work will still be considered, but judges will prioritise entries that respond clearly and creatively to the theme.

Can I enter if I’m home educated?

Yes, home-educated students are welcome to take part.

Can my youth group or alternative provision take part?

Yes, students from youth groups or alternative provision settings are eligible if they meet the age criteria but each entrant must submit their own work.

What if I need more help or have more questions?

Please email us at outreach@uca.ac.uk