18 Schools Compete in Ghana Youth Art Contest

Students from 18 schools across Ghana picked up their brushes and pencils to celebrate "My Favourite Thing in Nature" at the 2026 NATARAJ Art Competition on May 16. The Borteyman Sports Complex transformed into a gallery of young imagination, where pupils in grades 1 through 6 competed to capture the beauty of the natural world through their own eyes.

The competition split participants into two age groups, giving younger and older students equal opportunity to shine. Drawings ranged from vibrant forests to ocean scenes, each piece reflecting the unique perspective of its young creator.

Parents, teachers, and representatives from the Ghana Association of Visual Artists filled the venue, creating an atmosphere of excitement and support. Students beamed with pride as they displayed their work, many experiencing their first taste of artistic recognition.

The Ripple Effect

Beyond the colorful canvases, the competition planted seeds for something bigger. Organizers designed the event to nurture critical thinking and imagination, skills that reach far beyond the art classroom into every area of learning and life.

Several schools reported that students who participated discovered hidden talents and gained confidence they carried into other subjects. Teachers noted that the competition gave shy students a chance to express themselves in ways words sometimes cannot.

NATARAJ and JAYKAY Ghana Limited sponsored the initiative, recognizing that providing creative tools and opportunities helps unlock potential in young people. Their support ensured every participant had quality materials to bring their visions to life.

The day concluded with an awards ceremony where students received certificates, medals, and prizes. But perhaps the biggest reward was watching young artists realize what they could create when given the chance.

Schools including Lycée Français International Jacques Prévert d'Accra, British International School, Galaxy International School, and Lincoln Community School joined 14 others in making the competition both diverse and spirited. Each school brought fresh perspectives that enriched the entire event.

The NATARAJ Art Competition continues building a foundation for Ghana's next generation of creative leaders, one brushstroke at a time.