The 2026 Ocean Awareness Contest – Your Story, Our Ocean – encourages you to explore the many ways our ocean sustains, protects, and inspires us. We invite you to think about your personal connection to the ocean – whether you’re coastal or landlocked – through the value it brings to your life. The benefits of the ocean are widespread and multifaceted, from food production to climate regulation to artistic inspiration. Go through the sub-themes and explore the topics that resonate with you. Share how the ocean has shaped your story through art, writing, performance, film, or multimedia. How does the ocean sustain, protect, and inspire you?
The ocean has always been central to Bow Seat’s mission. Since the first Ocean Awareness Contest in 2012, we’ve asked students to explore ocean-related issues like marine species conservation, plastic pollution, and climate change. As our organization continues to evolve in new and exciting ways, we wanted to return to the topic that has captivated, moved, and activated tens of thousands of students who have participated in the Contest: the ocean! What value does the ocean bring to all of our lives? We’ve learned about the challenges that threaten the ocean, but why is it so important that we protect it?
We challenge you to dive into this year’s theme by exploring how the ocean sustains, protects, and inspires you and your community. We hope that these prompts serve as jumping-off points, guiding you toward further exploration! Be sure to check out our past winners and explore our broader Resource Studio for ideas and guidance.
Our Resource Studio is a unique space for creative exploration and a jumping-off point for deep inquiry of climate change, ocean conservation, and using art and creativity as tools in environmental movements.
Awards:- USD 1000
Deadline:- 08-06-2026
