Creative Native - Center for Native American Youth

Highlighting the creativity and expression of young Indigenous artists

SUBMISSIONS OPEN: We want to see your art inspired by what is sacred to you! Accepting submissions now through November 30, 2025.

GET CREATIVE!

About the Program

The Creative Native Call for Art by the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) celebrates a cornerstone of many Indigenous cultures by providing space and support for Indigenous artists, ages 5-24, to showcase their talents.

Recognizing the diversity in artistic expression among tribes, all mediums are welcomed. This includes, but is not limited to: painting, drawing, pottery, sculpture, photography and traditional works (beadwork, jewelry, regalia, silversmithing and carving).

View the Gallery

Get Involved

The 8th annual Creative Native Call for Art by the Center for Native American Youth is accepting submissions now through November 30, 2025.

This year, submissions should respond to the following prompt:

What is sacred to you? What is important to you and your community? Is it a place, person, a tradition, a story, the young people of your community? Is it a smell, a sound or a language? All interpretations are welcome!

Sacred means something deeply important, respected and honored. Sacred things can include places, ceremonies, stories, songs, language, relationships or teachings that carry meaning and are treated with care. It is part of our everyday life – the land, our ancestors, water, family, culture and teachings.

All artists who submit will be featured in the Creative Native Gallery and have the opportunity to receive national recognition and a categorical award of $300. One artist between the ages of 15 and 24 will also be recognized as the grand prize winner, and receive $1,000. Featured art is by 2024 Creative Native Category Winner (15-19 Years), Nasbah Carl (Navajo).

Each artist may submit one (1) artwork/ piece for the contest with a description of up to 100 words. Artists can submit up to three (3) images for each entry to showcase different angles of the piece. For more information about Creative Native, please review our complete list of Rules & Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), or contact cnayinfo@aspeninstitute.org.

Artists must electronically submit a high-resolution photo of their art – by November 30, 2025 at 11:59pm ET – using the 2025 Creative Native Call for Art Entry Form (see button). Late submissions will not be judged.

SUBMIT NOW

Submission Eligibility

Self-identify as Native American or Indigenous
Between the ages of 5 and 24 years old (on the application deadline)
Currently reside in the United States

Winner Categories*

5 to 9 years old
10 to 14 years old
15 to 19 years old
20 to 24 years old

*To be eligible for the grand prize, artists must be between the ages of 15 and 24.

Learn More

The call was established in 2018 by former Fellow and renowned artist Del Curfman (Apsáalooke). We thank Del for his commitment to the arts. Each year, CNAY asks Native youth to submit art inspired by a unique prompt. The 7th annual Creative Native Call for Art asked Who or what is the Moon?