Introducing the 2026 FAI International Aviation Art Contest

Introducing the 2026 FAI International Aviation Art Contest

We are excited to share an inspiring opportunity for our students:
The 2026 FAI International Aviation Art Contest, an international art competition that celebrates imagination, creativity, and the future of flight.

This contest invites young artists ages 6 to 17 to explore themes related to aviation, aerospace, and the freedom of flight through visual art. It is not simply about drawing airplanes—it is about imagining the future, telling stories through art, and connecting creativity with science and technology.

How the Contest Works

The competition takes place in several meaningful stages:

1. State Level
Students submit their artwork to their state aviation authority, where entries are reviewed and judged locally.
2. National Level (Washington, DC)
Each state selects top entries to advance to the U.S. national competition, managed by NASAO (National Association of State Aviation Officials) in partnership with the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). National winners are announced in March, with cash prizes sponsored by the AMCG Foundation.
3. International Level (Switzerland)
Winning U.S. entries are then sent to FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale) headquarters in Switzerland, where international winners are selected and announced in June.
This structure allows students to experience how their artwork can travel from a local community to a global stage.

Why This Contest Is Meaningful for Students

The FAI International Aviation Art Contest is especially valuable because it:

• Encourages creative thinking connected to real-world science and technology
• Introduces students to STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math)
• Helps students understand that art can communicate ideas about the future
• Builds confidence by allowing students to participate in a national and international-level competition
• Provides strong material for art portfolios and academic records, regardless of awards

Winning is not the only goal. The process of researching, imagining, and expressing ideas visually is where the real learning happens.

Our Approach

Our students will be preparing their submissions thoughtfully, focusing on:

• Clear connections to aviation and flight
• Original ideas and storytelling
• Personal vision rather than copying existing images

We believe this contest is a wonderful opportunity for students to see how far their creativity can go—sometimes even across borders.
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We look forward to supporting our young artists as they prepare their work for the 2026 FAI International Aviation Art Contest.

​Learn about the 2026 FAI International Aviation Art Contest for ages 6–17. Discover how students can participate in a state, national, and international aviation-themed art competition connecting creativity with STEAM learning.