Deadline: 27-Feb-2026
The Never Such Innocence invites young creatives to participate in this year’s competition, which challenges entrants to explore perspectives through the theme “In Someone Else’s Shoes”.
Entries are divided into four age categories: Age 9-11; age 11-14; age 14-16; and age 16-18. The crossover of ages in these categories is to ensure children in the same school year have an equal opportunity, with categorisation at the discretion of Never Such Innocence based on the information provided on the entry form.
Entries must draw on the competition theme: In Someone Else’s Shoes. If you have any special educational needs you would like the judging panel to be aware of please make a note on your entry form. All submissions are given a unique entry number to anonymise the judging process, and only the title should be written on the entry to ensure anonymity. All other details about the entrant should be confined to the entry form.
The competition requires no entry fee, and only one entry per category per individual or group is accepted, although entrants may submit entries in multiple categories, such as a poem and a piece of art. Entries from those aged 15 and under must be submitted by an adult on behalf of the entrant, who must agree to the competition rules. Copyright remains with the author, but by entering, participants grant Never Such Innocence the right to publish or broadcast their work. Entrants’ names, age range, school, and/or country may be published alongside their work. All data provided to Never Such Innocence is securely stored and handled according to their Privacy Policy.
Poems must have a title, be no longer than one A4 page in size 12 font, and consist of the contestant’s own work. AI-generated poetry is not permitted, and poems may be written in any language. Non-English entries must include a written copy in the original language and a voice recording. Poems should be typed or legibly handwritten.
Artwork must also have a title and may be created in any medium, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, or digital media. All submissions must be the contestant’s original work, with AI-generated art prohibited. High-quality photographs or scans of artwork should be submitted, with original works possibly requested for verification.
Songs must not exceed four minutes and must be original works without AI involvement. Songs will be judged on melody, composition, originality, and lyrics when applicable. Entrants retain rights to their work, while granting Never Such Innocence a license to use the song indefinitely. Songs may be in any language and should be submitted with written lyrics and a recording.
The deadline for entries is 27th February 2026, and winners will be notified on or before 17th April 2026.
For more information, visit Never Such Innocence.