We are excited to announce our Youth Voice Matters 2027 Art Competition!
Youth Voice Matters is an annual conference designed and delivered by and for disabled children and young people and children and young people with special educational needs. This event brings young people together to develop their participation skills and recognise the impact they can have when using their voice to create change!
The theme of this year’s conference is Celebrating Joy, and we want to know what this looks like to you! We are inviting you to get creative and show us the different ways to find, share and celebrate joy. 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.
What does joy mean to you?
We would like your 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?
What can I create?
Your artwork can be in whichever format works best for you. You could write, draw, paint, create a collage or sculpture, submit a photograph or video, submit some spoken word, make a digital piece or use any other creative format that works for you.
The only requirement is that you can submit a digital file that displays the piece (such as, an audio file, video file, image, word document, or PDF) and that you do not use AI to create your piece.
Who can enter the competition?
This competition is open to disabled children and young people, and those with special educational needs, aged 11-25.
You do not have to be attending Youth Voice Matters 2027 to enter this competition - anyone can take part!
Entrants are welcome submit pieces in all three themes. However, you cannot submit the same piece in more than one theme.
What can you win?
There are lots of prizes to be won!
- The first 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.
*Please note individual entrants can only win one of the prizes, even if they submit pieces in more than one theme.
How can I get involved?
- Get creative!
Create your artwork and show us what celebrating joy means to you! Please use only your first name on your submission, so you can find your artwork in the YVM display!
- Submit your artwork
You can upload your artwork using this form. If the file size is too large to upload, you can email your submission to [email protected].
- Join us at Youth Voice Matters 2027!
Sign up or ask your group leader to sign up for Youth Voice Matters 2027, so you can see your artwork alongside other children and young people’s submissions!
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].