Gallery
What Freedom Looks Like - 2026 Art Contest Winners & Featured Artwork
Freedom means something different to every young person. For some, it is the ability to speak up. For others, it is safety, opportunity, creativity, identity, or hope for the future.
Projekt NYC’s What Freedom Looks Like Art Contest invited K–12 students across New York City to capture their vision of freedom through original artwork. Students responded with powerful, thoughtful, and deeply personal interpretations — using color, symbolism, and imagination to express what freedom means in their lives and communities.
We are proud to showcase the winning pieces alongside selected submissions that reflect the extraordinary talent and insight of NYC youth.
1st Place 9-12 Jaylen (Stuyvesant HS)
2nd Place 9-12 Sophia (TWLS of Astoria)
3rd Place 9-12 Trisha (Atlas HS)
1st Place K-5 Martha (The Caedmon School)
2nd Place K-5 Maria (La Scuola d’Italia)
3rd Place K-5 Carlotta (La Scuola d’Italia)
1st Place 6-8 Vivian (Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Academy)
2nd Place 6-8 Olivia (The Chapin School)
3rd Place 6-8 Tyler (Village Academy)
Honorable Mention 6-8 Alivia (Village Academy)
Honorable Mention 6-8 Haylee (Village Academy)
