CFAs: International Compost Awareness Week Bookmark Contest

Deadline: 15-Oct-2026

The International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) Bookmark Contest 2027 invites young artists aged 10 to 13 from around the world to create an original bookmark design inspired by the theme “All Paths Lead to Compost.” The winner will receive a $50 prize, and the winning design will be reproduced and distributed nationally to promote composting, sustainability, and environmental awareness.

About the International Compost Awareness Week Bookmark Contest

The Bookmark Contest is organized by the Compost Research & Education Foundation (CREF) as part of International Compost Awareness Week. The 2027 contest encourages children to explore the environmental importance of compost through creative artwork. The theme, “All Paths Lead to Compost,” is connected to UN Sustainable Development Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. The contest provides young people with an opportunity to communicate ideas about: Participants are encouraged to interpret the theme creatively and demonstrate how composting can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment. The artwork should communicate the importance of compost while remaining visually engaging and appropriate for a bookmark. Who Is Eligible? The contest is open to young artists aged 10 to 13 worldwide.

Key eligibility requirements include:

Applicants must be 10–13 years old. The contest is open internationally. Each participant may submit only one entry. Artwork must be original. Entries must not be generated using artificial intelligence (AI). The submission must follow the required bookmark dimensions and technical specifications. What Should the Bookmark Design Include? Each submission must incorporate the required contest information into the artwork. The contest also helps communicate the importance of composting to a broader audience through youth-created artwork. Tips for Creating a Strong Entry Young artists can improve their submission by focusing on a clear and memorable visual message.

Useful tips include:

Connect directly to the theme: Make “All Paths Lead to Compost” easy to understand visually.

Keep the design readable: The required words should be easy to see.

Use original ideas: Avoid copying existing artwork or designs.

Think about compost’s journey: Consider food scraps, soil, plants, gardens, farms, and natural cycles.

Make it suitable for a bookmark: A strong vertical composition will work better than a crowded horizontal design.

Explain the idea clearly: The accompanying paragraph should show why the design represents compost and sustainability.

Do not use AI-generated artwork: The contest specifically requires original, non-AI artwork.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Participants should check their artwork carefully before submission

Common problems include:

Submitting artwork created using AI. Using copyrighted images or designs. Forgetting one of the required phrases. Using incorrect bookmark dimensions. Submitting a file in the wrong format. Using a resolution other than 300 dpi. Submitting more than one entry. Forgetting the required design explanation. Creating artwork that does not clearly relate to compost or the annual theme. Frequently Asked Questions Who can enter the International Compost Awareness Week Bookmark Contest? The contest is open to young artists aged 10 to 13 worldwide. What is the 2027 contest theme? The 2027 theme is “All Paths Lead to Compost.” The theme encourages young artists to explore composting, sustainability, innovation, and environmental stewardship through visual design. What size should the bookmark be? The bookmark must be 3 inches wide by 9 inches high and use a vertical orientation. Can participants use AI to create the artwork? No. The contest requires original, non-AI-generated artwork. AI-generated designs are not eligible. What text must appear on the bookmark? The design must include “International Compost Awareness Week,” “May 2–8, 2027,” and “All Paths Lead to Compost.” What is the prize for the winning design? The contest winner will receive a $50 prize. The winning bookmark will also be reproduced and distributed nationally, with the Foundation’s logo added to the final design. Who owns the submitted artwork? According to the contest conditions, all submissions become the property of the Compost Research & Education Foundation, which may use the artwork for commercial purposes. Conclusion The International Compost Awareness Week Bookmark Contest 2027 gives children aged 10–13 an opportunity to combine creativity with environmental education. Participants from around the world can submit an original 3 × 9-inch vertical bookmark based on “All Paths Lead to Compost,” with the winner receiving $50 and having their artwork reproduced and distributed nationally. Young artists should focus on an original, clear, compost-related concept, follow all technical requirements, include the three required phrases, and carefully review the contest’s artwork ownership and submission conditions before entering.