Brain Art Contest & Showcase 2026
Hosted by UVic’s Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health and the Faculty of Fine Arts.
Entry Deadline: Tuesday, May 26, 4:00pm (including Entry Form)
Showcase: June 8-12, 10am-4pm, The Audain Gallery, Visual Arts Building, UVic.
Prizes: Four awards will be given: one for each age category and a People’s Choice Award (voted on by the public).
What is Brain Art all about?
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!
How to submit your artwork:
- Each submission must include an entry form found here.
- Submit your art no later than 4:00pm on Tuesday, May 26, 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!