Ocean Awareness Music and Dance Contest
by Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs, Inc
Cash awards up to $1,000
The Ocean Awareness Contest invites students aged 11-18 globally to explore environmental issues through music and dance. Participants can win cash awards up to $1,000 and join a global community dedicated to ocean conservation.
Mode
Online
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual and team
Teams of 1 or more
Duration
Several months
Time needed
Depends on the time taken to make the entry
Eligibility
Open to students worldwide aged 11-18, currently enrolled in middle or high school. Students under 13 require parental consent. College or university students are not eligible. An adult sponsor's contact information is required for all participants.
- Grade level
- Grade 6 to 12
- Age range
- 11 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Enrolled in middle school or high school (or homeschool equivalent)
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
$1,000
Cash awards up to $1,000 are provided to top performers in both Junior and Senior Divisions across various categories. Awards range from $100 to $1,000. Special awards like the Smithsonian Creativity in Resilience Award offer $250.
Certificate
Certificate of Participation
All participants receive a certificate of participation from Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs, which can be added to resumes and portfolios.
Opens doors to
Enhances college applications by demonstrating commitment to environmental issues, creative talent, and global awareness. Showcases unique skills and passion for social impact.
Career pathways
Provides a strong foundation for careers in environmental conservation, performing arts, digital media, and science communication. Participation can lead to opportunities like the Future Blue Youth Council and the True Blue Fellowship.
Recognition
International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration closes
- 7 Jun 2027
Online · Bow Seat Online Submission System
How to apply
- 1Review the Contest rules, eligibility, and submission requirements
- 2Conduct research and gather inspiration using Bow Seat's Resource Studio
- 3Create your original music or dance piece (2-4 minutes in length for performing arts)
- 4Record a video of your performance or composition process
- 5Upload your performance video to Google Drive, YouTube, or Vimeo and provide a public URL
- 6If your submission has lyrics, upload a Word or PDF document of your song lyrics (in English, or with English translation if in another language)
- 7Create an account on the Bow Seat online submission system
- 8Complete the online submission form with your contact information, submission title, and a written reflection (minimum 100 words)
- 9Provide contact information for an adult sponsor
- 10If under 13 years old, ensure a parent/guardian completes the COPPA Parent/Guardian Consent Form (electronically or by uploading a signed PDF)
- 11Submit your work by the deadline
Rules and guidelines
- The use of AI-generators is considered plagiarism and will result in disqualification.
- Entries must be submitted in English or include an English translation for judging.
- Films must be 2-4 minutes in length and uploaded to Google Drive, YouTube, or Vimeo with a public URL.
- All group members must meet age eligibility requirements (11-18 years old).
- Award money for groups will be split evenly among members
- A written reflection of at least 100 words is required, describing the creative process and what was learned
Technology requirements
- Internet access for online submission
- Device capable of creating and uploading music or dance videos (e.g., smartphone, camera, computer)
- Access to video hosting platforms like Google Drive, YouTube, or Vimeo for film submissions
- Word processing software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs) for lyric submission (if applicable)
About this opportunity
The Ocean Awareness Contest is an annual international competition that encourages students to explore environmental issues through various creative mediums, including music and dance. This contest provides a platform for young people to learn about the climate crisis and its impact on oceans, discover solutions, and create art that inspires hope and action.
This contest is open to students aged 11-18 globally, currently enrolled in middle or high school. Participants can enter individually or as part of a group of any size. Students under 13 require parental consent, and all participants must provide contact information for an adult sponsor.
Participants have the chance to win cash awards up to $1,000, with additional special prizes like the Smithsonian Creativity in Resilience Award. Winning entries are showcased in Bow Seat's online gallery, publications, and social media, providing global recognition and inspiring further environmental advocacy. All participants gain valuable skills in creative communication and environmental stewardship.
Rounds and format
The competition involves a single submission of a music or dance piece accompanied by a written reflection. Judging is based on how well the submission addresses the theme, artistic voice, originality, and imagination.
How entries are judged
Submissions are evaluated based on how effectively they address the annual theme, demonstrate artistic voice, originality, and imagination. Craftsmanship, quality, technique, skill in the chosen medium, attention to detail, and accuracy of communicating issues are also considered. The accompanying written reflection helps judges understand the student's creative process and learning.
Selection process
Selection is based on the artistic merit of the music or dance piece, its relevance to the contest theme, and the thoughtfulness of the accompanying written reflection. Judges look for creativity, originality, and a strong message.
How to prepare
- Bow Seat's Resource Studio for artistic inspiration, articles, videos, and interactive quizzes on environmental topics and artistic skills.
- Information on climate change impacts on oceans and solutions.
- Examples of past winning entries for inspiration.
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The contest encourages self-directed learning and creative exploration around the annual theme, supported by Bow Seat's Resource Studio, which offers articles, videos, and interactive quizzes on environmental topics and artistic inspiration.
Frequently asked questions
How can students best prepare to stand out in a global competition like this?
Students can excel by thoroughly researching the annual theme, exploring diverse artistic expressions, and crafting a unique narrative that resonates with the contest's environmental focus. Reviewing past winning entries can also provide valuable insights.
What strategies can participants use to manage the pressure of a competitive environment?
Focusing on the creative process and personal growth, rather than solely on winning, can help manage pressure. Engaging with the environmental message and finding joy in artistic expression are key to a fulfilling experience.
Are there common pitfalls or mistakes that participants should avoid during the submission process?
Common mistakes include not adhering to length requirements, failing to provide a thoughtful written reflection, or submitting work that does not clearly connect to the annual theme. Plagiarism and AI-generated content are strictly prohibited.
How are the judging criteria applied to ensure fairness across diverse artistic submissions?
Judges evaluate submissions based on artistic merit, originality, relevance to the theme, and the clarity of the environmental message. A diverse panel of experts ensures a comprehensive and fair assessment of all entries.
Beyond awards, what are the long-term benefits for students participating in this contest?
Participation fosters critical thinking, creative communication, and environmental advocacy skills. It also provides global recognition, enhances portfolios for higher education, and connects students to a community of young environmental leaders.
Share with other parents
Categories
WiWit
Never miss the right opportunities for your child
The WiWit app shows you only the ones that fit your child.
- Matched to your child's grade, age, and interests
- Deadline reminders so you never miss registration
- Every opportunity verified before it's listed
Related opportunities
Dance World Cup Competition
by DWC Limited
International all-genre dance competition for children and youth. Indian dancers qualify through city qualifiers and a national finals before joining Team India at the annual World Finals.
What your child could gain:
Meity - National Cyber Security Cartoon Story Board Competition
by Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India
A national competition by MeitY's 'Stay Safe Online' campaign, inviting all Indians to create cartoon storyboards on cybersecurity for cash prizes.
What your child could gain:
IndiaSkills Junior: Visual Merchandising
by Ministry of Skills Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Govt of India
A national skill competition for students in grades 6-12 to design captivating retail displays using digital tools like Photoshop and CorelDraw.
What your child could gain:
See what fits your child
Get the free app