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Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts
Student creates a digital painting on their iPad.

High School Creative Technologies + Film Competition

Hosted by the School of Creative Technologies and the School of Theatre, Dance, and Film at Illinois State University.

Overview

The School of Creative Technologies and the School of Theatre, Dance, and Film at Illinois State University invite high school students across the Midwest to showcase their creativity in the High School Creative Technologies + Film Showcase.

Open to students in Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan, this competition celebrates innovative work that merges art, sound, story, and technology.

Winning entries will be featured during the annual School of Creative Technologies Showcase on the Illinois State University campus.

Purpose

  • Inspire and encourage students to share their creative and technical achievements.
  • Provide recognition and visibility for students, teachers, and schools.
  • Build a regional community of emerging artists, designers, storytellers, and technologists.
  • Strengthen pathways between high school creative programs and college study in art, design, film, and technology.

Timeline

Submission Deadline: April 1, 2026 by midnight
Winners announced: Wednesday, April 22
Showcase date: Thursday, April 30 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Questions?

CreativeTechnologies@IllinoisState.edu

Competition Categories

Entries may be individual or collaborative. Submissions can include (but are not limited to) the following areas:

  • Digital Art – motion graphics, illustration, visual effects, digital painting, experimental animation.
  • Game Design and Interactive Media – playable prototypes, interactive installations, AR/VR experiences, web or app-based work.
  • Music and Sound – original compositions, sound design, experimental audio, or integrated music production.
  • Film and Moving Image – short narrative films or animations, documentaries, experimental or hybrid works, music videos, or digital cinematography projects.

Eligibility

Open to high school students in grades 9–12 located in Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kentucky, or Michigan. Individual and group submissions are accepted. Each student may appear on multiple projects but may serve as the primary submitter for only one entry. Projects must have been completed within the past 12 months.

Submission Requirements

Each entry must include:

  • A link to the project hosted on a public or password-protected platform (YouTube, Vimeo, Itch.io, OpenProcessing, SoundCloud, Google Drive, OneDrive, or similar). Files must remain accessible through the judging period.
  • A project description (200–300 words) outlining the concept, process, and goals.
  • A short bio (up to 100 words) for each contributor.
  • Two screenshots, photographs, or production stills.
  • A list of contributors and their specific roles.
  • Name of teacher supporting the application (if any).

Submission Portal

Submissions will be accepted through the online portal.

Submit Your Work

Evaluation Criteria

Projects will be evaluated by a panel of faculty and professionals from the School of Creative Technologies and the School of Theatre, Dance, and Film using the following criteria:

  • Creativity and Originality
  • Technical Skill and Craft
  • Narrative or Conceptual Depth
  • Integration of Sound, Image, and/or Interactivity
  • Overall Presentation and Impact

Recognition

Selected works will be showcased at the annual School of Creative Technologies Competition at Illinois State University. Certificates of recognition will be awarded to all winners and honorable mentions. Public recognition on social media channels and websites.

About the School of Creative Technologies

At Illinois State University, the School of Creative Technologies prepares students to be skilled, intentional, and collaborative creatives who work at the intersection of art and technology. Our programs include:

  • Animation and Entertainment Arts
  • Audio and Music Production
  • Digital Media
  • Game Design

Learn more about the School of Creative Technologies

About the School of Theatre, Dance, and Film

The School of Theatre, Dance, and Film at Illinois State University fosters emerging storytellers, performers, and filmmakers through rigorous training and hands-on production experience. Students learn to bring stories to life across stage and screen, building strong creative and technical foundations in a collaborative environment.

Learn more about the School of Theatre, Dance, and Film