Introducing ART-Vocacy — NFED’s community art contest! We’re inviting every member of the NFED community to share your story through creative expression. We invite you to tell your story through a medium that feels true to you, and in doing so, become a voice for this community.
No artistic training is required. We want to hear about the struggles, the triumphs, and everything in between, expressed in whatever form feels most like you.
Selected works will be displayed at the NFED Family Conference, featured in a special community auction with proceeds supporting NFED’s mission, and shared across NFED communications and outreach. Your art could help change how the world understands ectodermal dysplasias and become a permanent part of NFED history!
Submit by June 30 to enter!
Who Can Enter
This contest is open to:
- Individuals living with ectodermal dysplasias
- Family members, caregivers, and supporters
- Youth creators (under 18) in a dedicated Youth Division
All entrants must be NFED members. If you’re not sure if you’re a member, reach out to us at info@nfed.org
Contest Theme
Interpret your experience with ectodermal dysplasias in any artistic medium — photography, written word, painting, collage, or video, and make it your own.
Categories:
| Youth Division (Under 18 yrs old) | 18 + | |
|---|---|---|
| Photography | ✓ | ✓ |
| Illustration / Drawing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Written Word (poetry, essay, short story) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mixed Media / Collage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video / Short Film (60–90 sec) | ✓ | ✓ |
| T-Shirt Design Contest | ✓ |
Youth participants (under 18) have two ways to enter:
- Regular Category Entry: Submit a piece in any medium, just like adult participants.
- Youth T-Shirt Design: Design a T-shirt and see your artwork turned into real NFED gear, added to the NFED store, and worn by the whole community. The winner will be decided through community voting.
Youth participants may submit a regular entry, a T-shirt design, or both.
Download Printable t-shirt templateSubmission Guidelines
One submission per entrant. Make your entry upload-ready in one of these formats:
- Photography / artwork: high-resolution digital file
- Written word: PDF or Word document
- Video: 60-90 seconds via shareable link
- Mixed media / collage / sculpture: high-quality images and/or video of the piece
Each entry may include a short artist statement (2-3 sentences). We’d love to hear what moved you to create it.
How It’s Judged
A panel of NFED staff, board members, and community advisors will evaluate all entries based on emotional resonance, connection to the theme, and creativity and originality.
Winners will be chosen in each category and age group. Honorable mentions may be awarded at the judges’ discretion.
Prizes & Recognition
- Category Winners: NFED certificate, gift card, featured in the NFED e-newsletter, and your piece showcased for auction at the Family Conference to benefit the NFED
- Youth Division Winner: NFED certificate, special feature in NFED communications, and a voucher for one future Family Conference registration.
- Youth T-Shirt Winner: Your design printed, added to the NFED store, and worn by the NFED community.
- All Participants: All participants receive an NFED certificate of participation. Selected pieces will be displayed at the 2026 Family Conference and every submission will be showcased on the NFED Art-Vocacy webpage.
Important Dates
- Submission Window: May 1 – June 30
- Judging: July 1 – July 10
- Winner Announcement: July 23 at Family Conference
- Family Conference Gallery: July 23–25 in St. Louis
Ready to Enter?
Your story belongs in this room. Click below to submit your piece and share your voice with the NFED community.
Submit Your EntryQuestions?
We’re here to help. Contact Isabella at Isabella@nfed.org with any questions about categories, formatting, or technical support.