Very Special Art Festival 2026
Registration Instruction
Submission Deadline September 1, 2026
ARTISTS MUST REGISTER TO PARTICIPATE
Imagining and Drawing the Neighborhood Where I Want to Live
About the Theme
Imagine a neighborhood filled with the people, places, activities, and opportunities that bring you joy. It may be a village of your dreams, a welcoming community where everyone belongs, or a unique world inspired by your own imagination.
Through your artwork, share your vision of a place where people can live, connect, and thrive together. Let’s create a warmer, more inclusive, and hopeful future—one inspired by the neighborhood where you would love to live.
Eligibility
Individuals with disabilities, ages 5 and older
Artwork Requirements
Two-dimensional artwork only (e.g., drawing, painting, watercolor, collage, mixed media)
Digital artwork is not eligible
Artwork size: 16" × 20" (approximately 41 cm × 51 cm)
How to Submit
Email a photograph of your artwork to: art@cidainfo.com
Award recipients will be contacted individually with instructions regarding artwork shipment and mailing reimbursement. All winning artists must submit their original artwork to CIDA by 9/18, 2026, prior to the awards ceremony.
Important Dates
Registration and Submission(art image by email) Deadline: 9/1, 2026
Winners Announced: 9/21, 2026
Deadline for Winning Artists to Mail Original Artwork: 10/15, 2026
Awards (5 Winners)
🥇 1st Place
$500 CIDA Scholarship
Two tickets to the CIDA Gala (October 24, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Great Neck, New York)
🥈 2nd Place
$400 Mimi Jeongmi Youn Scholarship
🥉 3rd, 4th, and 5th Place
Gift Cards
Winner Opportunities
Opportunity to participate in the CIDA Art Fellowship Program
Featured in the online exhibition
Opportunity to exhibit artwork at a community gallery in Queens, New York
Disqualification Criteria
Winning artists must submit their original artwork. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.
All submitted artwork must be the original work of the participant.
Any work that infringes on copyrights or intellectual property rights will be disqualified.
Digital editing, filters, or AI-generated modifications are not permitted.
Additional Information
Previous Festival Gallery
Visit the Very Special Art Festival website to view artwork from past festivals.
Important Notice
Original artwork submitted by award recipients will become the property of CIDA. CIDA is not responsible for artwork lost or damaged during shipping.
Contact Information
Email:hpark@gmail.com
Phone: 718-224-8197 ext. 2
To learn more about CIDA, visit www.cidainfo.com.