So, what are we 
looking for?

Here are some submission guidelines.

Interested applicants should look at the work on the website to get a sense of Zoe’s artistic ethos. Peruse Zoe’s art and Pinterest boards (https://www.pinterest.com/zoewrose/) to get a sense of what resonated for her, but we absolutely want your work to be original and all your own. When you feel passionate about your work and express what feels true to your heart, it tends to show and radiate for others.

On a broad level, your submissions should be inspired by Zoe’s design ethos, her sense of whimsy and the absurd, and/or her commitments to human rights, democracy, and the environment. Be bold, be playful, be deep, be light, be yourself. We accept almost any kind of visual art content: drawing, painting, comics/graphic novel, collage, sculpture, textiles, crafts, fashion, and jewelry. We do not accept video or purely written media. And we do not accept any work that was created with the assistance of, or by, AI.

What kids of artwork can I submit?

Be bold, be playful, be deep, be light, be yourself. We accept almost any kind of visual art content: drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, textiles, crafts, fashion, jewelry.

The Zoe Prize is an annual art contest created to recognize and reward outstanding young artists. The competition features three prize levels and is open to any high school student residing in Montclair, New Jersey, or attending a high school in Montclair, NJ.

The First Prize is $1,000. Second and Third Prizes of $500 and $250 will also be awarded.

We’ve provided some artwork preparation instructions on the submission page. Check it out here.

We do not accept any art that is AI-generated, AI-enhanced, or AI-adjacent in any way. Zoe felt very strongly about protecting visual artists and artists of all kinds from the infringement of AI on originality.

Our judges are made up of artists, professionals and close friends and family members of Zoe. Learn more about the judges here.

The Zoe Prize is organized by its founding team in collaboration with our judges and partners. More information can be found on the Judges & Partners page.

For questions about artwork submissions or becoming a sponsor of The Zoe Prize, please use our contact form located here.