Smile Art Contest 2026 – Draw the Future. Share the Smile with Westie

For 11 years, the Smile Art Contest organized by Westcoast International Dental Clinic has become a meaningful creative playground for children who love art and imagination. More than just a drawing competition, the program encourages young artists to express kindness, spread positive energy, and develop awareness about oral health care through creative activities.

In 2026, Smile Art Contest officially returns with a brand-new theme and many exciting activities for children aged 12 and under in Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau, and Binh Duong.

Theme of Smile Art Contest 2026

This year’s theme is: “Draw the Future. Share the Smile with Westie”

Children are invited to draw Westie – the adorable mascot of Westcoast – and join Westie on a journey into the future through imagination and creativity.

During this special adventure, children can express meaningful actions that help bring smiles, happiness, and connection to people around them. It may come from taking care of themselves, helping family members, sharing kindness with friends, protecting the environment, joining community activities, or contributing to a better city and country.

The contest hopes to inspire children to believe that even the smallest good deed can create a beautiful smile for the future

What Makes Smile Art Contest 2026 Special?

One of the most exciting highlights of this year’s competition is the combination of creativity, storytelling, and hands-on artistic expression.

Participants can freely create artworks in different formats such as:

• Drawings and paintings
• Illustrated comics
• 3D artwork and creative models

To encourage creativity, children are required to use at least three materials from daily life, such as toothbrushes, dental floss, recycled materials, paper, fabric, or other decorative objects.

Another special feature this year is the opportunity for children to design their own version of Westie. After the competition, the Organizing Committee will select one outstanding artwork to further develop into the official mascot design of Westcoast.

In addition to the artwork, participants are also encouraged to submit a short video showing the creative process and introducing the meaning behind their. This helps children confidently express their ideas and storytelling skills through art.

Awards & Recognition

Besides being a meaningful artistic playground, Smile Art Contest 2026 also brings many exciting prizes to encourage children to confidently express their imagination and creativity.

Main Awards

• 1 First Prize – Smile Ambassador
  Prize value: 8,000,000 VND
• 2 Second Prizes – Art Stars
  Prize value: 4,000,000 VND each

Talent Awards

(2,000,000 VND per award)

• Promising Young Artist (for children aged 5–7)
• Most Creative Artwork
• Best Westie Mascot Design
• Best Presentation Video
• Most Impressive Artwork
• Audience Favorite Award

Contribution Awards

• Young Artist Awards: 6 prizes worth 500,000 VND each
• School & Art Center Award: 1 prize worth 2,000,000 VND for the school or art center with the most outstanding submissions

The competition promises to showcase many colorful and inspiring artworks created by talented young artists.

Competition Timeline

Smile Art Contest 2026 will officially take place from 18 May 2026 to 02 August 2026 with the following timeline:

• 18/05/2026 – 30/06/2026: Online submission period
• 03/07/2026 – 06/07/2026: Announcement of Top 15 finalists
• 10/07/2026: Finalists submit original artworks
• 02/08/2026: Award Ceremony at Westcoast Norfolk Mansion
  (17–19–21 Ly Tu Trong Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City)

All updates and activities related to the competition will be announced through the official Facebook Group: Cuộc thi vẽ Smile Art Contest – Westcoast

How to Join the Competition

To participate in Smile Art Contest 2026, children must have support from parents, guardians, or teachers during the submission process.

Submission Information

Participants are required to provide:

• Full name and date of birth
• School or art center information (if applicable)
• Parent/guardian contact details
• Artwork title and short description (maximum 300 words)
• Clear photos of the artwork
• A photo of the participant with the completed artwork
• One presentation video under 2 minutes

Submission Steps

Step 1: Send the submission to: marketing@westcoastinternational.com

Step 2: The Organizing Committee will review and confirm valid entries.

Step 3: After confirmation, parents or guardians can help participants post the artwork publicly on Facebook with the hashtags: #SAC2026 #Westcoast

Participants should also tag the official Facebook Group: “Cuộc thi vẽ Smile Art Contest – Westcoast”.

The Organizing Committee will upload artworks and presentation videos every Tuesday and Friday throughout the competition period.

Judging Criteria

All artworks will be evaluated by the judging panel based on the following criteria:

• Message & Storytelling (40%) Meaningful ideas, positive messages, inspiration, and emotional connection
• Artistic Quality (30%) Composition, colors, balance, and visual presentation
• Creativity (20%) Originality, unique concepts, and creative material usage
• Presentation Video (10%) Confidence, communication, and clarity of presentation

Important Notes

Participants should carefully review the following rules before joining the competition:

• All artworks must be original creations by the participant and must not have previously joined or won other competitions.
• The minimum artwork size is A3.
•  Digital artworks are not accepted.
• The Organizing Committee has the right to use all submitted artworks, photos, and videos for communication and promotional purposes without additional fees.
• Participants may not withdraw submissions after publication unless approved by the Organizing Committee.
• Any fraudulent behavior, plagiarism, or inaccurate information may result in disqualification.
• All decisions made by the Organizing Committee are final.

Smile Art Contest 2026 is expected to become a joyful and inspiring artistic journey where children can freely express creativity, kindness, and imagination through every artwork.

Westcoast International Dental Clinic sincerely thanks all teachers, parents, and guardians for supporting children in participating in this meaningful competition. We wish all young artists a wonderful and memorable creative experience at Smile Art Contest 2026.