Apply to FG Creative Minds Contest
Call for Applications: Creative Minds Contest 2026
The Federal Ministry of Youth Development, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy and the Initiative for Self-Esteem Education and Advocacy (ISEEA), is officially inviting young Nigerian creators to submit entries for the Creative Minds Contest 2026.
Held ahead of the National Adolescent and Youth Mental Health Week 2026, this initiative invites young talent to use creative expression to challenge social stigma, inspire hope, and drive meaningful conversations around self-esteem and mental health.
Contest Theme
“Lived Experiences Heard, Real Voices, Real Change”
Eligible Categories
Film: Short films/video submissions (Maximum duration: 5 minutes)
Music: Original songs or compositions
Spoken Word: Original audio/video poetry performances
Visual Arts: Paintings, digital illustrations, photography, and graphic design
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
Be a citizen of Nigeria.
Be between 15 and 35 years old.
Submit strictly original work that reflects the contest theme.
Ensure the entry directly relates to self-esteem and mental health.
Ensure the submitted work has not previously won a national award or major contest.
Prize Structure Placement Award Amount
1st Place₦200,000
2nd Place₦150,000
3rd Place₦100,000
PlacementAward Amount
1st Place₦200,000
2nd Place₦150,000
3rd Place₦100,000
Winners will be notified privately and invited to receive their awards live at the event in Abuja.
Important Dates & Location
Application Deadline: October 5, 2026
Dinner & Awards Night: October 23, 2026
Event Location: Abuja, Nigeria
How to Apply
Fill out the official Creative Minds Contest Application Form.
Complete all required questionnaire sections.
Upload your original creative file before the deadline on October 5, 2026.
Short Announcement Version (For Social Media / Newsletters)
Opportunity Alert: Creative Minds Contest 2026 (₦450k+ in Cash Prizes)
Are you a Nigerian creative between 15 and 35? The Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, and ISEEA are seeking original submissions in Film, Music, Spoken Word, and Visual Arts for the Creative Minds Contest 2026.
Theme: “Lived Experiences Heard, Real Voices, Real Change”
Focus: Self-esteem and youth mental health
Prizes: 1st Place: ₦200,000 | 2nd Place: ₦150,000 | 3rd Place: ₦100,000
Awards Night: October 23, 2026 (Abuja)
Deadline to Apply: October 5, 2026
Submit your original artwork, song, video, or poem today via the official Creative Minds Contest Application Form.
