HeARTwork Against Hate Contest

HeARTwork Against Hate

HeARTwork Against Hate is an annual creative initiative for New York City youth launched by the NYC Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes (OPHC) in September 2020 as part of OPHC’s mandate under Local Law 49 to promote prevention, awareness, and community engagement efforts that reduce bias and hate. The initiative encourages young people across the five boroughs to use art as a powerful medium to express messages of respect, unity, belonging, and shared humanity. By providing students with a creative outlet, HeARTwork Against Hate supports emotional well-being, strengthens confidence, and gives youth a platform to process their experiences and feelings through artistic expression.

This initiative recognizes that the voices and creativity of young people have the ability to influence peers, inspire adults, and shift the narrative of what it means to stand up for others. HeARTwork Against Hate offers young New Yorkers a meaningful opportunity to take a stand against bias, discrimination, and hate while celebrating the values that make New York City strong, diverse, and resilient.

Program Goals

Support the goals of Local Law 49 by fostering youth-centered approaches to hate prevention
Promote positive messaging rooted in respect, unity, and inclusion among NYC youth
Provide a creative platform that supports emotional well-being and healthy expression
Empower students to communicate their experiences and perspectives through art
Increase awareness of bias, discrimination, and the power of standing up for others
Amplify youth voices as leaders in shaping culture and community values

Activities and Engagement

Annual citywide youth art showcase and celebration
Opportunities for youth to submit artwork in multiple mediums
Educational framing that explores themes of bias, identity, empathy, and kindness
Collaboration with schools, educators, youth organizations, and community partners
Public sharing of selected pieces through exhibitions, digital platforms, and OPHC programming
Storytelling that highlights youth perspectives and experiences

Participation and Audience

HeARTwork Against Hate is open to:

Elementary, middle, and high school students across New York City
Public, charter, independent, and parochial schools
After school and community-based youth organizations
Young people from communities historically impacted by bias

Participation reflects the rich diversity of New York City’s students and encourages inclusive representation across backgrounds, cultures, and identities.

Why This Initiative Matters

Art helps young people express what they feel, think, and experience in ways words alone cannot. When youth create artwork that challenges hate and lifts up compassion, they influence peers, families, and entire communities. HeARTwork Against Hate nurtures emotional resilience, builds confidence, and reinforces the message that every New Yorker has a role in showing respect, supporting others, and shaping a more inclusive city. By centering youth voices, the initiative strengthens community bonds and contributes to a safer and more unified New York City.

Winner Selection and Prizes

Submitted HeARTwork will be grouped by grade level and a first, second, and third prize winner will be selected from each group.

Grades 3 to 5

First, Second, and Third Prize Winners
Honorable Mentions

Grades 6 to 8

First, Second, and Third Prize Winners
Honorable Mentions

Grades 9 to 12

First, Second, and Third Prize Winners
Honorable Mentions

Prize Money

First Place 500 dollars
Second Place 300 dollars
Third Place 200 dollars
Honorable Mentions 50 dollars each

Requirements

Participants must be between the ages of 8 and 18 and reside in New York City
All visual art forms are eligible including drawing, collage, painting, photography, sculpture, poetry, computer graphics, and 3D art
All work must be original
HeARTwork must be no larger than 11 by 20 inches and no smaller than 8.5 by 11 inches

Submission Deadline

All HeARTwork must be submitted electronically to OPHC by March 1, 2026.

Previous Contests

2023 HeARTwork Against Hate Contest

2022 HeARTwork Against Hate Contest

2020 HeARTwork Against Hate Contest