Bold Art Society Presents

Next: New York

Next: New York is a competition that provides a platform where students can present their most powerful work and be discovered by industry leaders.



2026 Categories

Fine Art & Fashion Design

FINE ART

Painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, mixed media. Any medium. Judged on originality, mastery and societal message.

FASHION DESIGN

Original finished garments demonstrating creative vision and technical craftsmanship. Judged against the B.A.S. Rubric.

*Coming in 2027*

Theater | Film | Music | Dance | Poetry.

Next: New York grows with every competition year.


Judging Criteria

The B.A.S Rubric


What Winners Receive

Real Prizes. Real Opportunities

Prizes

  • Funding for creative projects

  • Creative equipment & tools

  • Featured placement in our documentary

  • Trophy for top young artist in the state

Mentorship Opportunities

  • Mentorship from professional artists

  • Studio & production company tours

  • Shadowing experiences

  • Workshops & masterclasses


Our 2026 Industry Judges

The Standards We Strive For

Akeem Victor

Akeem Victor is a cameraman for CBS News’ 48 Hours with eight years of experience in documentary and television production. His credits include MTV’s Wild ’N Out, the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards, the 2017 Grammy Awards, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. He brings extensive experience in news, documentaries, live events, and visual storytelling.

Patrick Bentley

Patrick Bentley is a Creative Technologist, art collector, and cultural advocate. As Global Lead of Specialized Training at Google, he designs immersive learning experiences for Google Cloud customers. He serves on the Patrons of Black Artists committee at the Huntsville Museum of Art and partners with Hold Space to support artists and foster cultural connections. Patrick is passionate about discovering and championing emerging creative talent.

Griffina Blake

Griffina S. Blake, M.S., is an educator, entrepreneur, mentor, and community advocate with more than 30 years of experience in education and leadership development. A retired New York City educator, she is the Founder and CEO of Victoria Blake Global Collection LLC, where she empowers women through entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and holistic wellness. Passionate about youth development and the arts, she champions creativity, leadership, and lifelong learning.

Brenda Abulu

Brenda Jackson Abulu is an educator, arts advocate, and cultural entrepreneur from Harlem, New York. After a 37-year career as a teacher, she co-founded Blaze Channel USA and serves as its President, championing Black and African film, music, and culture through innovative digital platforms. With a lifelong passion for the arts, she is dedicated to expanding the global reach and economic sustainability of Black and African creative industries.


Our 2026 Partners

The Team Making it Possible