Open to Middle & High School Students

Art that tells the story of blending in and standing out.

Blend In Stand Out is a national art contest celebrating the multicultural experience. If you've ever felt caught between two worlds, this contest is for you.

Submissions Open April 20, 2026
Deadline June 1, 2026
Winner Announced Late July 2026

Why This Contest Exists

Celebrating the in-between.

Growing up multicultural means carrying more than one story. Blend In Stand Out invites students to put that experience into art and be seen for exactly who they are.

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Express Your Identity

Use any art form to explore what it means to grow up between cultures: the beauty, the complexity, and everything in between.

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Be Seen & Celebrated

Your story deserves a platform. Winning and featured artwork will be showcased publicly, putting your voice and vision in front of a real audience.

Join a Community

Connect with other students from across the country who share that same feeling of straddling two worlds, and making something beautiful from it.

Contest at a Glance

Everything you need to know.

6–12 Grade Levels
Free To Enter
Any Art Medium
June 1 2026 Deadline

Your story is worth sharing.

Submissions are open to all middle and high school students. Any medium. Any style. All you need is something to say.

Submit Your Art →

About the Founder

Started by a student, for students.

Blend In Stand Out was founded by Mia Shrank, a junior at Watchung Hills Regional High School in Warren, NJ. Half Korean, half white, and an artist who has studied in Barcelona and Florence, Mia created this contest to build the community she wished she'd had.

Meet Mia
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Studied in Barcelona & Florence

Mia has trained internationally and brings a real artistic eye to every piece submitted to this contest.