Contest Overview

This page contains information about the 2027 Blue Planet Awareness Contest. Winners of the 2026 Contest will be announced in November 2026!

2027 Theme | Nature of Truth: Environmentalism in an Age of Disinformation

A CREATIVE CHALLENGE FOR TEENS WORLDWIDE
Nature of Truth: Environmentalism in an Age of Disinformation Prompt

The 2027 Blue Planet Awareness Contest – Nature of Truth – challenges you to think critically about both natural and digital landscapes through the lens of environmental disinformation. Disinformation has long been used to generate discourse to delay or stop environmental action, and it has only been supercharged in today’s digital age. Be part of the solution and raise awareness about what environmental disinformation looks like through art, writing, performance, film, or multimedia.

The Contest deadline is June 7, 2027

“I believe in justice and truth, without which there would be no basis for human hope.” – 14th Dalai Lama

A NEW CHALLENGE FOR A DIGITAL AGE

The creative arts have always been central to Bow Seat’s mission. Since the first Blue Planet Awareness (formerly Ocean Awareness) Contest in 2012, Bow Seat has been a space for young people to learn and raise awareness about ocean and environmental issues through creativity. As AI-generated art, videos, music, and writing become increasingly widespread, the value of the human creative process mustn’t be lost.

We are now entering an age where truth and science are being undermined on an unprecedented scale. AI slop, synthetic media, disinformation, and bots are distorting reality and creating new “realities” not grounded in fact or truth. At first glance, it can be difficult to determine fact from fiction, making critical thinking and critical action more vital than ever before.

We challenge you to dive into this year’s theme with a critical mind and a creative heart. 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.

“To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work.” – Mary Oliver

ENVIRONMENTAL DISINFORMATION

While misinformation is inaccurate information, disinformation is false information that is deliberately created to mislead. Environmental disinformation can take many forms, such as the idea that climate change isn’t real, or that environmental solutions such as renewable energies and electric vehicles are infeasible. From greenwashing to astroturfing, disinformation can and has been used to generate discord and slow or halt the adoption of environmental solutions. In an increasingly polarized and anti-science landscape, compounded by AI slop and algorithms that reward discourse, environmental disinformation thrives. How do we become resilient to this manipulation?

Art-IreneRaeeun-Kim

What does environmental disinformation look like? What implications does it have – politically, socially, culturally, economically? How can we identify it? And how can we work on advancing environmental solutions despite it?

Visit our Resource Studio for more examples of environmental disinformation!

Who May Enter

Students ages 11-18 from around the world are invited to participate in the Blue Planet Awareness Contest. Enter the division based on your age at the time of entry:

  • Junior Division: Age 11-14
  • Senior Division: Age 15-18

Students can participate as an individual or as a club, class, or group of any size. All students must provide the contact information for an Adult Sponsor (teacher, parent, mentor, etc.) Students who have started college or university are not eligible to participate in the Contest.

Submissions are accepted in:
  • Visual Art: Handcrafted
  • Visual Art: Digital
  • Poetry & Spoken Word
  • Creative Writing
  • Film
  • Performing Arts: Music & Dance
  • Interactive & Multimedia

Please review all submission requirements carefully. 

CONTEST DEADLINE: JUNE 7, 2027, 11:59 PM EDT
How to Enter
Why participate?
  • Join Bow Seat’s global movement of over 52,000 young creatives who care about the ocean, environmental justice, and climate action, and contribute to the largest youth environmental arts collection in the world. 
  • Gain knowledge about environmental issues, nature, and your relationship with the world around you. Dive into Bow Seat’s Resource Studio to learn more about the issues; find artists and organizations taking action to protect our blue planet; and discover ways that you can get involved.
  • Grow your skills in communication, critical thinking, creativity, and environmental advocacy. Use your artwork to raise awareness for critical environmental issues.
  • Build your portfolio and make art in your preferred medium, or practice a new one! Add to your resume with a participation certificate.
  • Showcase your talents worldwide. Through art exhibitions, publications, social media campaigns, and scholarships, Bow Seat uplifts diverse youth voices to advance dialogue and participation in environmental conservation and advocacy.
  • Be eligible for special opportunities, like the Future Blue Youth Council. Past program participants also serve as Bow Seat interns and Contest judges!
  • Earn cash awards of up to $1,000!