Never Such Innocence International Competition 2026/27

The Never Such Innocence International Competition gives young people a voice on conflict and its effects. Run by a UK charity of the same name, it invites children and young people aged 9 to 18 from anywhere in the world to respond through poetry, art or, new this year, short film. The 2026/27 competition opened on 28 September 2026, closes on 26 February 2027, and winners will be announced by 5 May 2027. Entry is free.

Categories

• Poetry — a poem responding to conflict
• Art — any visual artwork, from drawing and painting to collage and mixed media
• Short film — new for this edition

Each young person can submit one piece per category, so the same entrant could send a poem, an artwork and a film.

Who Can Enter Never Such Innocence?

The competition is for young people aged 9 to 18. People outside that age range can still submit work, but they are not eligible to win. Entries can come from individuals or from groups, and there is a multiple-entry form for teachers and youth leaders submitting work from a class or club.

What Winners Receive

Winning work is published in a digital booklet of the competition. Winners receive an NSI prize pack and are offered special opportunities through the charity. The booklet becomes a lasting record of how young people see conflict.

Why Enter?

The competition asks a serious question and takes young people's answers seriously. Conflict can feel distant or overwhelming; responding through art, poetry or film is a way to think it through and to be heard. For young artists, a published piece and a prize are an early credential and a real encouragement.

For Teachers and Youth Leaders

The competition is designed to work in classrooms and clubs. Teachers can use it as a project across art, English, history or citizenship lessons, then submit the best pieces using the group or multiple-entry forms. Because it is free, every student can take part, and the theme connects naturally with lessons on history and current events.

Ideas for Approaching the Theme

Conflict does not only mean war. Young people might write or make work about family stories, refugees and displacement, remembrance, peace, a conflict in the news, or tension in their own community. The strongest entries are usually personal and specific rather than general statements about war.

Making a Strong Art Entry

Choose one clear idea and let the image carry it. Photograph or scan the work well, in good light and without shadows, so the judges see it as it really is. A short title and a sentence about what inspired the work can help.

Short Film Entries

For the new short film category, keep the film short and focused. A single strong idea, clear sound and simple editing are better than a complicated story. Make sure music and footage are original or properly licensed.

Writing a Strong Poem

Poems that win competitions like this are usually honest and concrete. Instead of writing about war in general, write about one person, one object or one moment: a grandparent's medal, a letter, a photograph, a news report that stayed with you. Read the poem aloud before you submit it. If a line sounds forced or a word feels like it is only there to rhyme, change it.

Help From Parents and Teachers

Adults can help young entrants understand the theme, find the forms and check the rules, but the work itself should be the young person's own. Talking about conflict can be upsetting, so give children space to choose their own subject and to stop if it becomes too much. Keep a copy of every piece submitted.

Things to Consider

• Free to enter.
• Ages 9–18 to be eligible to win.
• One piece per category.
• Deadline: 26 February 2027.

Enter the Competition

Ready to share your response to conflict?

Enter the Never Such Innocence International Competition

Entry forms, guidance and rules are on the Never Such Innocence website.

Looking for more open calls? Browse all competitions and opportunities on Good Stuff Weekly.

Last verified: November 7, 2026