Digital Arts, Film and Animation Competition

All Youth Programs

About the Competition

The Digital Arts, Film, and Animation Competition beckons deaf and hard-of-hearing students in grades 6-12 (as of spring 2027) to unleash their creativity. Participants are invited to produce a digital artwork, film, or animation, and compete to win prizes based on four categories. Whether it's a stunning visual creation, an animated narrative, or an imaginative film, the possibilities are boundless!

 

Registration opens January 11, 2027

The competition is split into two grade divisions:

  • Middle School: Grades 6-8
  • High School: Grades 9-12

Registration for the Digital Arts, Film, and Animation Competition opens on January 11, 2027, with submissions accepted until March 19, 2027. Prizes are given to the top three creations in each division!

Teachers are strongly encouraged to inspire their students to participate and integrate the competition into their curriculum. Each student may choose one category for their submission, so start crafting your masterpiece and get ready to shine in the Digital Arts, Film, and Animation Competition!

Rules and Eligibility

Am I eligible?

To be eligible for the Digital Arts, Film, and Animation Competition, students must:

  • Be deaf or hard-of-hearing.
  • Be enrolled in grades 6-12 in spring 2027.
  • Have a parent’s or guardian’s permission to participate.
  • Have a teacher’s recommendation.
  • Submit a copy of their middle school report card or high school transcript.
  • Sign a statement that their work is original and no copyrighted materials are used in their submission.
  • Have appropriate permission forms, if required by their school district.

What do I need to do?

  • Register for the competition:
    Complete the entry form
  • Submit your application package, which must include ALL of the following, to Google Drive
    • A separate media file for your submission.
    • Work that is original, not copied from photographs, images, clip art, or other resources that are not original.
    • Artwork that is an individual work, not part of a class project.
    • A 150-300 word descriptive essay of the processes used for your project.
    • A copy of your middle school report card or high school transcript.
    • A letter of recommendation from your teacher.
    • Enable “anyone with a link can view” access to your entry and send the link to artscompetition@rit.edu. 
  • Give RIT permission to use names, submitted images, likenesses and voices for possible promotion.

You may also mail your application package to:​​​

RIT Digital Arts, Film and Animation Competition
National Technical Institute for the Deaf
NTID Outreach & Special Projects
52 Lomb Memorial Drive
Rochester, New York 14623

Enter your best work today! The deadline for submitting all materials is March 19, 2027.

Please label your artwork and essays in your application package to ensure that it is easy to identify your work.
 

Competition Categories

Participants should select the one competition category that best represents their work. Entries will be judged only within their selected grade division and competition category to ensure a fair and consistent evaluation.

Graphic Media

Graphic Media includes two-dimensional digital artwork created using typography, illustrations, graphics, or computer-generated imagery designed to communicate a message. Examples include logo design, illustrations, technical illustrations, advertising posters, product labels, and fine art.

Required File Format: PDF

Photo Imaging

Photo Imaging features digitally enhanced or manipulated photographs that create a visually compelling composition. Examples include photo retouching, digital collages, and other creative image manipulations. Original, unedited photographs used in the project must also be included for judging purposes. All photographs must be taken by the participant.

Required File Format: PDF (plus original images)

Film

Film entries use moving images to tell a story through live action or mixed media. Judges will evaluate storytelling, cinematography, lighting, editing, creativity, and overall production quality.

Required File Format: QuickTime (.mov)

3-D Animation

3-D Animation entries use computer-generated 3-D graphics and animation to tell a story. Judging will consider modeling techniques, animation quality, storytelling, technical execution, and creativity.

Required File Format: QuickTime (.mov)

Judging Criteria

Projects will be judged within their selected grade division and competition category.

The judging panel reserves the right to disqualify any submission that:

  • Does not follow the competition guidelines.
  • Is incomplete or of poor quality.
  • Contains inappropriate content.
  • Violates copyright or originality requirements.

RIT/NTID also reserves the right to move an entry to a more appropriate category if necessary.

Entries will be evaluated based on:

  • Originality and creativity
  • Technical skill and craftsmanship
  • Visual design and composition
  • Artistic concept and communication
  • Effective use of digital technology
  • Overall quality and presentation

Prizes

Young student designing on a computer

Awards will be presented in both the Middle School Division (Grades 6–8) and the High School Division (Grades 9–12).

Middle School Division (Grades 6–8)

  • 1st Place: Program Fee Waiver for the TechTigers summer program and a $500 cash prize
  • 2nd Place: $300 cash prize
  • 3rd Place: $150 cash prize

High School Division (Grades 9–12)

  • 1st Place: Program Fee Waiver for one RIT/NTID Summer Program and a $500 cash prize.*
  • 2nd Place: $300 cash prize
  • 3rd Place: $150 cash prize

Teachers are encouraged to inspire their students to participate and incorporate the competition into their curriculum.

*Current 12th-grade students are not eligible for the program fee waiver and will receive the $500 cash prize only.

If you want to discover our summer program options, visit our main page:

NTID Youth Programs

Contact Us

For more information or questions about prizes, contact us at artscompetition@rit.edu. 

To submit your application package or materials for the competition, please mail to:

RIT Digital Arts, Film and Animation Competition
Rochester Institute of Technology
National Technical Institute for the Deaf
Lyndon Baines Johnson Building
52 Lomb Memorial Drive
Rochester, New York 14623

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