DR. JERRY INSPIRATIONAL AWARDS

Artistic Challenge

The Dr. Jerry Inspirational Awards is named, in honor of, the late Founder Dr. Jerry Hiura for his legacy in supporting Asian American Pacific Islanders in the arts. Contemporary Asian Theater Scene is passionate about developing pathways for creativity, acknowledgments, and igniting passion for a lifetime appreciation of the arts.

Submissions for Dr. Jerry’s Artistic Challenge are made available to High School and College Students in the Bay Area. Participants are open to submitting entries in mediums of their choosing: some of which have included drawings, paintings, photography, dance, video, music, and mixed media. Entry periods typically begin from early May-August. Please be advised that details and submission forms will be available on this page. Check back for updates.

Dr. Jerry Hiura Inspiration Award 2026 submissions are now open!

Contemporary Asian Theater Scene (CATS) has established this award in our co-founder’s memory.  His vision for CATS was to promote and present young AAPI art and artists in the Bay Area.  We hope this challenge will produce works that will reflect his passion for promoting Asian American Pacific Islander creativity in any art discipline.

You will retain copyright to your work but will give permission to CATS to present the work in our programs and promotions.

Qualification:  You must be a current High School or College student in or from the SF/Bay Area to participate.

Submission Deadline:   September 22, 2026
Winner Announcement:  October 8th, 2026

THEME: WHAT WE CARRY FORWARD: What do we inherit, preserve, transform, or pass on? Through your art, explore the stories, memories, traditions, questions, or hopes that shape who we are and who we hope to become

Please submit your artwork submission(s) here

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