Youth Voice Matters 2027 Art Competition

The Youth Voice Matters conference brings young people together to develop their participation skills and recognise the impact they can have when taking part in strategic participation. This competition is open to disabled children and young people, and those with special educational needs, aged 11-25. Entrants are welcome submit pieces in all three themes. However, you cannot submit the same piece in more than one theme.

CDC would like artwork to explore one of the following themes:

Theme 1: Community

Community isn't just about where you live, it’s about the finding people and places that make you feel like you belong!

• How do you find joy in community? 
• What does community look like for you and what does it bring?
• How does community add to your joy?

Theme 2: Connection

Connecting with friends, family and other people in our lives can bring joy through sharing interests and experiences. But so can connecting with ourselves, and with what we love doing!

• How do you find joy in connection?
• How do you connect with others, with yourself or your interests?
• What do your connections bring you?

Theme 3: Communication

There are so many ways to communicate with the people in our lives, whether it’s online or in person. Communication allows us to be heard and share our experiences, and to listen to others.

• How do you find joy in communication?
• Where and how do you communicate with others?
• What does communication bring you?

Artwork can be submitted in a range of formats. Entries can be written, drawn, painted, collage, sculpture, photographs, videos, using spoken word, a digital piece or any other format. The only requirement is that you can submit a digital file that displays the piece (audio file, video file, image, word doc, PDF, etc) and that you do not use AI to create your piece.

There are lots of prizes to be won:

• The top three entries in each theme – Community, Connection, and Communication - will receive a £20 voucher*
• There will be a prize of a £60 voucher for the overall winner in each theme: Community, Connection, and Communication
• There will also be three prizes of a £35 voucher for a commendable entry in each age group:
  • 11 – 15-year-olds
  • 16 – 18-year-olds
  • 18 – 25-year-olds

The winners will be announced at the conference and those who win will be notified by email.
*Individual entrants can only win one of these prizes, even if they submit pieces in more than one theme.

Artwork can be uploaded using this form or if  the file size is too large to upload, it can emailed to participation@ncb.org.uk.

All submitted artwork will be showcased at Youth Voice Matters 2027 on Thursday 18th February 2027 and uploaded to the Council for Disabled Children’s website after the conference.