Brain Art Contest & Showcase 2026

brainart26

Theme: In Mind: Community and Culture

Brain Art 2026 is co-hosted by UVic’s Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health and the Faculty of Fine Arts.

Submissions are in and we are excited to welcome you to the 2026 Brain Art Contest Showcase! We've received 30 paintings, poems, sculptures, short stories, songs, and more pieces of art exploring how community and culture shape our mental well-being. 

The showcase is free and open to the public. We invite you to come enjoy the art and vote for your favourite!

When: June 8-12, 10am-4pm daily
Where: The Audain Gallery, Visual Arts Building, UVic
Map to find gallery location, parking, bus terminal.

Prizes: A $100 gift card will be awarded to one individual in each age category selected by a committee. In addition, a $100 gift card will be awarded to the People's Choice Award, voted on by the public in attendance at the showcase.

This year’s Brain Art Contest invites you to explore how community and culture shape our mental well-being across the lifespan. Through art, we ask questions such as: How does belonging support mental health? What do inclusive communities look and feel like? How do our connections evolve as we age?

We’re interested in artwork that reflects resilience, vulnerability, healing, ritual, care, and support — the shared human experiences that connect us to one another.

Artists of all ages and abilities are invited to submit work in any form, including visual (paintings, sculptures, drawings), written (poetry, short stories), performance-based (theatre, dancing, singing), or digital (photography, video).

Participants enter by categories:

  • Young Creators (12 years & under)
  • Teen & Youth Visions (13–24 years)
  • Adult Reflections (25+ years)  

Who can enter?

Everyone! Open to all members of the community — whether you're a UVic student, faculty, staff, or a local resident. No artistic experience needed!

The Entry deadline has now passed. Thank you for your interest!

  • Each submission must include an entry form.
  • Submit your ar either by email to IALHResearch@uvic.ca or drop-off at IALH, Hut R, room 103, Phoenix Road (off McKenzie Ave), between 9am - 4pm, Monday-Friday.

Help IALH spread the word!

Use the hashtag #BrainArt2026 on social media and tag us!
Follow the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky

See previous submissions in our Event Recordings/IALH YouTube Channel!