Winners of the 2026 Creative Arts Contest

"What does mental health mean to you?"

That was the question we asked this year for the bryt Creative Arts Competition (CAC). Our annual contest is a fantastic opportunity for students to share their voice, tell their unique stories, and inspire our entire community with their creativity. Open to all K-12 students—both within and outside of the bryt network—the competition is a wonderful chance to celebrate the artists, writers, musicians, and creators in all our schools.

Creativity is a vital way that we relate to one another and communicate difficult topics, a need that remains important regardless of age. This year, we saw that need reflected in a record-breaking response, receiving more submissions than ever before.

For many students, art is the bridge between a feeling and a word. It allows them to externalize internal struggles and process their journey in a way that clinical notes cannot capture. The diversity of the work we received—from the raw energy of elementary students to the nuanced reflections of high schoolers—serves as a powerful reminder that the courage to be seen is a universal experience.

Our Winners

We are proud to showcase the incredible talent of this year's winners. Their work captures the essence of the bryt journey: the movement from struggle to strength.

High School Winner

Middle School Winner

Elementary School Winner

To see all the winners categorized by medium, please visit contest.brytnational.com.

About the Creative Arts Competition

The Creative Arts Competition (CAC) is an annual initiative designed to empower students to explore their mental health journey through art, poetry, music, and digital media. By validating creative expression as a legitimate part of the recovery process, we encourage students to find their voice and share their experience with others.

Explore the full gallery of submissions and sign up for notifications about next year's competition at contest.brytnational.com.