What is Project 2050?

We invite young creatives (Pre-K to college-aged) to engage in a creative endeavor to envision and portray their ideal future world through various forms of art (video games, music, building materials, paint, etc..) This “Our Future 2050" project aims to provide a platform for the youth to express their hopes, dreams, and aspirations for the world we will inherit. Through this initiative, we seek to empower young individuals to use their artistic talents to drive positive change and inspire action towards a better future that centers equity and sustainability for all people.

How to submit to the 2050 Art Project

Art Submission Guidelines

  • Eligibility: Open to artists college-age youth and younger.

  • Art Forms: Accepting all kinds of art submissions, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, digital art, mixed media, installations, and more.

  • Theme: Artworks should depict visions of a sustainable & equitable future for Los Angeles County and beyond.

  • Submission Deadline: Sunday, April 7th, 2024 11:59 pm PST

Submission Process

  • Prepare Your Artwork: Create your artwork according to the theme and guidelines.

  • Photograph/Document: Ensure clear and high-quality documentation of your artwork for submission purposes. For physical artworks, high-resolution photos are necessary.

  • Submit Your Work: Submit your work on the "Apply" form linked above. Make sure to carefully follow the submission instructions on the form.

  • Evaluations: We will evaluate your work and email you to confirm we would like to include it in the gallery exhibition. If you have any questions before that time, you may reach us at connect@ycsla.org.

  • The 2050 Art Project, hosted by Youth Climate Strike Los Angeles, aims to highlight visions of a sustainable future for Los Angeles County and beyond. Accepting all kinds of art submissions from artists college-age and younger, the project centers the youth's visions, allowing for a picture of the world that our next generation wants to live in. 

    As youth organizers, we are often criticized for not presenting our own visions of the future. But as anyone who has ever actually spoken with a young person would know, the youth often have the most vibrant and passionate plans and dreams for the future. The 2050 Art project aims to share those visions and that sense of forward-looking hope with the world. 

    After collecting and vetting submissions, the 2050 Art Project begins in earnest, displaying the artworks in a gallery location in Los Angeles. The gallery display will be regularly open, and will also host presentations from local community organizations at scheduled times. As this project is also the celebration of Youth Climate Strike’s fifth-year anniversary, the venue display photos from the organization’s past events

  • Relevance to ThemeArtworks will be evaluated based on their clear connection to the theme of envisioning a sustainable future for Los Angeles County and beyond. Priority will be given to pieces that vividly depict innovative, environmentally conscious, and inclusive visions.

    Artistic Merit

    The artistic quality and skill exhibited in the creation of the artwork will be considered. This includes elements such as composition, technique, use of color, creativity, and originality.

    Conceptual Strength

    Evaluation will focus on the depth and thoughtfulness of the concept or idea presented in the artwork. Pieces that provoke contemplation, stimulate conversation, or offer unique perspectives on sustainability will be valued.

    Youth Perspective

    Emphasis will be placed on showcasing the visions and viewpoints of young artists. The ability of the artwork to capture youthful energy, passion, and hope for the future will be a significant factor in the selection process.

    Equity and Diversity

    The project aims to represent a diverse range of voices and perspectives. Artworks that reflect inclusivity, diversity, equity, and cultural richness in their portrayal of a sustainable future will be highly regarded.

    Engagement and Impact

    Consideration will be given to artworks that have the potential to engage and resonate with the audience, sparking conversations and inspiring action towards a sustainable future.

    Clarity of Message

    Artworks should effectively convey their message about a sustainable future, ensuring clarity and understanding of the artist's vision without ambiguity.

    Technical Presentation (for Physical Art)

    In the case of physical artworks, attention will be given to the presentation quality, including framing, installation, and overall appearance for exhibition purposes.

    Originality and Innovation

    The project aims to highlight fresh and innovative ideas. Artworks that present novel approaches or unique interpretations of the theme will be considered favorably.

    Adherence to Guidelines

    Submissions must adhere to the project's submission guidelines regarding format, size limitations, and any other specified requirements.

  • We believe that the arts are a vital part of community life and resiliency in the face of mounting climate disaster. Further, the feelings and visions we have for the future can often feel difficult to express in a single medium, so we want to enable young people to do so in any way they can. The project will use all varieties of arts to present a creative, challenging, and complex view of the future we want. 

    The reason we will display this in a gallery is primarily for accessibility. The project will remain on display for a month, giving people from all across Los Angeles county a chance to visit and experience the bright, shining visions of the generation that will inherit this planet. Along with supporting the arts, the gallery is an ideal place to hold presentations from community organizations, creating a space that is both welcoming and energetic. 

The decisions being made for us right now will affect us for the next 100+ years. We should have a say in our future!

We will be updating this page with new info stay posted!