Any young person up to their 25th birthday who lives, works or studies in Wales

Fill in the online form: https://forms.office.com/r/K87fKJ7yky and send in your piece – photos, videos or the original are all welcome. Entries can be emailed, posted or in some cases we can collect your piece – please email us if you want more information

It is estimated that over 3500 young people are growing up living with HIV across the UK. There are more young people who know someone who is living with HIV. It’s not just adults that are impacted. We are expecting almost all the entries to come from those who are aged 16 and over but wanted to ensure that no young person who wanted to take part was left out. We have also spoken with other organisations, youth workers, teachers and carers who felt that it was important to open this up to all age groups.

HIV education is part of the Welsh HIV Action Plan and this competition links with our pioneering resources for all educators that went live on the 22nd September. Creating an entry for this competition is a catalyst for more conversations around HIV, health, respect, inclusion, wellbeing and more.

Beyond that – HIV stigma continues to be a barrier to testing, treatment and prevention of HIV and education is a powerful tool in combatting stigma.
HIV has changed dramatically over the last 40 years; from a life-threatening illness to a manageable condition but stigma and misinformation still exists. Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to challenge prejudice, build empathy, and empower young people to make informed, respectful choices.

All entries and entry forms must be with us by 14th November 2025.

Judging will take place and finalists announced by the end of November.
There will be an exhibition of some of the pieces at our World AIDS Day Reception at the Senedd on the 2nd December 2025

Anything! If HIV is the focus, young people can create whatever they want. This could be painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, collages, poetry, spoken word, short films, the possibilities are almost endless.
Young people could consider HIV: Past, present and/or future, HIV stigma, prevention and treatment, HIV stigma, the red ribbon symbol, hope, or anything else that connects with HIV.

Yes, absolutely!! If anyone wishes to submit something in another language please email us fasttrackcities@hiv.wales

It is of paramount importance to us that ALL young people have access to not just the art competition but also our resources which were launched on the 22nd September
We have accessibility allowances as well as an award specifically for accessibility champion.
Young people can work in groups, use tools and art forms which suit their needs and there is a question on the form around letting us know of any additional needs too.
If you people need more support please get in touch and we will do all we can to help you.

Absolutely. We have a trained youth worker (and retired teacher) who can come and support young people in creating work to be submitted, bring resources and use sessions as catalysts for conversations.
Message us for more information and see if we can fit you in.

We have prizes for the following categories as well as honourable mentions for different ages and more!
Stigma Busting Award
Creativity Award
Accessibility Champion Award
Educative Award
Hope for the Future Award
Overall Winner

We have some exciting posts coming up about the judges, please keep watching on our socials to find out who will have the almost impossible task of deciding the winners

We are incredibly grateful to Gilead who are funding this competition and the accompanying resources for all educators and all young people in Wales (and beyond)

HIV is a big topic and not an easy one to tackle and this competition is not making light of that. This competition is about expression, inclusion, and visibility. We want young people to enjoy creating their pieces but also hope that this competition will be a catalyst for conversations around wellbeing, HIV, stigma, respect and more.
Every entry helps us to raise awareness of HIV, challenge HIV stigma and ensure that young people’s creativity is part of changing the narrative around HIV.