Never Such Innocence (NSI) has opened for submissions its International Competition 2026/27. The edition runs under the theme “Through My Eyes”.
The competition invites young people aged 9–18 from around the world. It welcomes entries in Poetry, Art and Short Film responding to the theme. The call is open for entries.
The best works will be awarded with publication in a digital booklet, an NSI prize pack and invitations to take part in special opportunities.
The theme asks participants to share a personal perspective of war and conflict. It considers what has shaped that perspective, including experience, nationality, heritage, gender, proximity, age and education.
The competition is held in three categories:
- Poetry – poems responding to the theme
- Art – sketches, paintings, sculpture, photography and digital media, among other forms
- Short Films – a new category for 2026/27, open to documentary, animation, drama, archive footage, video diary and mixed media
Entries are judged in four age categories: 9–11, 11–14, 14–16 and 16–18. Entries from participants aged 15 and under must be submitted by an adult on behalf of the entrant. Individual, group and multiple entries are accepted, including class submissions.
Only one entry to each category per individual or group will be accepted. Entrants may enter multiple categories, for example one poem and one piece of art by the same individual.
Poems must carry a title and must not exceed one page of A4 in size 12 font. Poems may be written in any language and must be typed or legibly handwritten. Artwork must carry a title and may be produced in any medium. Short films must carry a title, must be no longer than 3 minutes, and may be submitted as an MP4 file or as a YouTube / Vimeo link. All works must be original, and works created using AI will not be accepted.
All submissions are anonymised for judging. Copyright remains with the author, with Never Such Innocence granted the right to publish and broadcast entered works.
Please check the official website for further information.
No Entry Fee!
It's free to enter.