The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and NYCxDESIGN celebrated the participation of public high school students from the five districts in the 25va. edition of the annual graphic arts contest.
This year’s poster challenge, titled «World Cup Ode to NYC» (Ode to NYC for the World Cup), invited students to create tournament-inspired designs that captured the energy, diversity and unmistakable spirit of New York City to celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The winners of the 7 artistic disciplines received cash prizes and the satisfaction of victory.
Additionally, 4 works were selected—created by Chloe Yong, from Midwood High School in Brooklyn; Sadiyah Doria, of Information Technology High School in Long Island City, Queens; Neil Cummins, of the High School of Art & Design in Manhattan; and Anabella Colucci, from Ralph McKee Career and Technical Education High School in Staten Island—to be printed as official “World Cup Ode to NYC” posters, which are for sale to the public.
The posters were displayed during the recent FIFA World Cup viewing event hosted by NYCEDC at MADE Bush Terminal.
It should be noted that since spring, teachers from the New York City Department of Education worked with thousands of students from the five boroughs to submit works for the annual graphic arts contest; In May, more than 200 finalists moved on to the in-person final stage, held on June 2.
Students competed in 7 categories: graphic design, digital illustration, packaging design, photography, web design, student film, and video production.
In each category, three winners received cash prizes of $300, $200 and $150 for first, second and third place, respectively.
As part of the contest, students from the areas of Graphic Design, Digital Illustration and Photography participated in the “World Cup Ode to NYC” poster competition. The designs of 4 artists were selected to be printed and published in Poster House, making them available to the public for purchase; This gave young New Yorkers the opportunity to see their works spread beyond the classroom and into the marketplace.
Winners also received an additional $250 cash prize and an official copy of their poster. These works reflect the creativity of the city’s students as New York welcomes fans from around the world.
«From de Kooning’s portrait of Pelé and Picasso’s abstract sculpture *Footballeur* to the works of countless street artists around the world, the beauty, movement and joy of football has been captured in art since the sport’s inception. Now, New York City public school students are bringing their own vision to that tradition,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
“Congratulations to all the students who participated and to the winners, whose works will be displayed at our next joint viewing event. “His creativity helps tell the story of this moment for our city,” said the New York mayor.
“With the FIFA World Cup and soccer fever in full swing here in New York City, we are proud to celebrate the creativity of the next generation of designers and storytellers,” said Jeanny Pak, interim president and CEO of NYCEDC.
“Through NYCxDESIGN and the ‘World Cup Ode to NYC’ initiative, this contest gives students the opportunity to showcase what makes New York the best city in the world, while fueling the palpable excitement and energy in the city during the tournament.”
“I was impressed by the creativity and talent demonstrated in the work submitted by students in the Annual Graphic Arts Competition,” said Ilene Shaw, Executive Director of NYCxDESIGN.
“It is inspiring to see so many young artists from across New York City sharing their unique and joyful perspectives. “NYCxDESIGN, in collaboration with NYCEDC, is proud to help bring their works to life as part of the World Cup celebration in New York.”
“It has been an honor for City Tech’s Communication Design Department to once again collaborate with the organizers of the city-wide Graphic Arts Competition to host this year’s event, as we celebrate its 25th anniversary. This year, more than 200 students from 13 high schools came together to explore the theme ‘World Cup Ode to New York City’ through graphic design, photography, illustration, video and filmmaking,” said George Garrastegui, director of City Tech’s Communication Design Department.
“It is inspiring that high school students have the opportunity to enter a university environment and develop an idea, from concept to completion, in less than four hours. The students not only imagined the New York City they want to live in, but also what the future of the city could be like. “We are in good hands with this next creative generation,” he noted.
For his part, Jack Powers, competition leader and industry partner of the CTE (Career and Technical Education) Commission on Media and Design, said, “Every year, students in NYC public schools face new technological challenges.”
«The Annual Graphic Arts Contest began with technologies such as printing presses and analog cameras; Today, students create digital illustrations, mobile videos, and AI-assisted art. The next 25 years are going to be amazing and I’m excited to see how his work evolves; As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the competition, I am inspired each year by the students, the teachers and the work of the next generation,” he emphasized.
“The city’s 25th Annual Graphic Arts Competition was an extraordinary celebration of student creativity, innovation and artistic excellence. Their passion, talent and imagination were evident as they transformed ideas into impactful works of art in a matter of hours,” said Sharon Prince-Yearwood, Ed.D., Senior Director of School and VAS Engagement for NYC Public Schools.
“Opportunities like this inspire students to dream big, explore future paths in the creative industries and envision the city they want to help build. “New York Public Schools is proud to celebrate these exceptional young artists and the promising future they represent for our city,” he said.
