NYC Students Compete in Poster Design Competition to Celebrate World Cup

25th Annual Citywide Graphic Arts Competition Features 200+ New York City Public High School Student Finalists Competing Across Seven Art Disciplines

Four Winning Student Designs Will Be Printed and Sold to the Public to Celebrate the FIFA World Cup in New York City

NEW YORK, NY-This month, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and NYCxDESIGN celebrated the participation of New York City public high school students, hailing from all five boroughs, in the 25th Annual Citywide Graphic Arts Competition. This year's "World Cup Ode to NYC" poster challenge invited high school students to create World Cup-inspired designs that capture the energy, diversity, and unmistakable spirit of New York City to celebrate the FIFA World Cup.

Winners across seven art disciplines took home prize money and the thrill of winning, and four artworks-by Chloe Yong from Midwood High School in Brooklyn, Sadiyah Doria from Information Technology High School in Long Island City, Neil Cummins from High School of Art & Design in Manhattan, and Anabella Colucci from Ralph McKee Career and Technical Education High School in Staten Island-were selected to be printed as official "World Cup Ode to NYC" posters that will be available for purchase by the public. The posters will be on display at NYCEDC's FIFA World Cup Watch Party at MADE Bush Terminal on June 25.

This spring, New York City Department of Education teachers worked with thousands of students across the five boroughs on submissions for the Annual Citywide Graphic Arts Competition, and in May, over 200 finalists advanced to the in-person finale on June 2. Students competed across seven platform categories-Graphic Design, Digital Illustration, Package Design, Photography, Web Design, Student Filmmakers, and Video Production-with three winners from each category receiving prize money of $300, $200, and $150, for first, second, and third place, respectively.

As part of the competition, students in the Graphic Design, Digital Illustration, and Photography platform groups participated in the "World Cup Ode to NYC" poster competition. Four of the artists across the three poster platforms were selected to have their design printed and published on Poster House for purchase by the public, giving young New Yorkers the opportunity to see their work shared beyond the classroom and in the marketplace. These winners also received an additional $250 in prize money and an official copy of their poster. The posters showcase the creativity of the city's students as New York City hosts fans from around the world.

From Left to Right: Subway Soccer, by Annabella Colucci; Kick to the City, by Chloe Yong

New York Madness, by Neil Cummins

Dreams Beyond Glass, by Sadiyah Doria

"From de Kooning's portrait of Pelé to Picasso's abstract sculpture Footballeur to the works of countless street artists around the world, the beauty, movement and joy of soccer has been memorialized in art as long as the sport has been alive. Now, New York City's public school students are adding their own vision to that tradition," said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. "Congratulations to every student who participated and to the winners whose artwork will be featured at our upcoming watch party. Your creativity is helping tell the story of this moment for our city."

"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 NYCEDC Interim President & CEO Jeanny Pak. "Through NYCxDESIGN and World Cup Ode to NYC, this competition gives students the chance to show what makes New York the greatest city on earth while continuing to stoke the palpable excitement and energy around the city during the tournament."

"I was impressed by the creativity and talent shown in the student submissions at the Annual Graphic Arts Competition," said Ilene Shaw, Executive Director of NYCxDESIGN. "It's inspiring to see so many young artists from across New York City sharing their unique and joyous perspectives. NYCxDESIGN, in partnership with NYCEDC, is proud to help bring their artwork to life as part of the celebration of the New York City World Cup."

"It has been an honor for the Communication Design Department at City Tech to once again partner with the presenters 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 New York City 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, chair of the Communication Design Department at City Tech. "The opportunity for high school students to enter a college environment and develop an idea from concept to completion in under four hours is inspiring. Students not only imagined the New York City they want to live in, but also what the future of the city could be. We are in good hands with this next creative generation."

"Every year, NYC Public School students are faced with new technology challenges," said Jack Powers, competition lead and industry partner for CTE Media and Design Commission. "The Annual Graphic Arts Competition started with technologies like printing presses and film cameras, now they're creating digital illustrations, mobile video and AI assisted art. The next 25 years will be something to marvel at and I'm excited to see how their work evolves-this year as we celebrate our 25th year of the competition, I'm inspired every year by the students, teachers and work of the next generation."

"The 25th Anniversary City-Wide Graphic Arts Competition was a remarkable celebration of student creativity, innovation, and artistic excellence. This year, more than 200 students from 13 New York City high schools came together to bring the theme 'World Cup Ode to New York City' to life through graphic design, photography, illustration, video, and filmmaking," said NYC Public School Senior Director of SVA/School Engagement Sharon Prince-Yearwood, Ed.D. "Their passion, talent, and imagination were on full display as they transformed ideas into compelling works of art in just a few hours. Opportunities like this inspire students to dream boldly, explore future pathways in the creative industries, and envision the New York City they want to help shape. NYC Public Schools is proud to celebrate these outstanding young artists and the bright future they represent for our city."

About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization that works for a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive economy for all New Yorkers. We take a comprehensive approach, through four main strategies: strengthen confidence in NYC as a great place to do business; grow innovative sectors with a focus on equity; build neighborhoods as places to live, learn, work, and play; and deliver sustainable infrastructure for communities and the city's future economy. To learn more about what we do, visit us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

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