To kick off official programming for Ocean Month 2026, the Department of the Blue Economy has unveiled a one-of-a-kind art competition open exclusively to children between the ages of 7 and 11, centered on ocean conservation and sustainable blue economy themes.
Organized in partnership with the Ministry of Education’s Education Broadcasting Unit and a coalition of additional community and institutional partners, the competition invites young creative minds to translate their personal understanding of the blue economy into visual art. Participants can choose to create either murals or posters, with encouraged themes ranging from vibrant depictions of native marine life to illustrations of actionable ocean conservation practices.
According to event organizers, the competition serves two core goals: to foster the creative talent of young people across the region, and to build broader public awareness of the critical role healthy oceans and marine ecosystems play in supporting communities and economic activity. Unlike many youth art competitions that end with a simple award ceremony, this initiative offers a unique lasting opportunity for the top participant: the winning entry will be converted into a full-size public mural that will be displayed in a community space, leaving a permanent legacy of the young artist’s vision and work.
Submissions for the competition opened to participants on April 13, and the submission window will remain open through to May 7. Following a period of judging, the winner is set to be publicly announced on June 8, which aligns with the annual observance of World Ocean Day, tying the event to a global movement for ocean protection.
Department officials are actively encouraging parents, primary school teachers, and guardians to guide and support children in entering the competition. They frame the event as more than an art contest: it is a targeted opportunity to nurture the next generation of creative thinkers, innovative problem-solvers, and dedicated environmental stewards who will carry forward the work of protecting the world’s oceans for decades to come.