Read the latest thoughts and analysis on breakthrough solutions driving impact for a sustainable future
Digital artists worldwide are invited to create original works that bring to life ADSW’s 2026 theme, The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go, which will connect the people and ideas driving global transformation.
Artists may also draw inspiration directly from any of ADSW’s guiding pillars and interpret them through their own visual language and digital craft:
Resilient and Sustainable Economies
Building economies that last. Economic models must evolve to embed resilience, circularity, and equity. The focus is on transforming how industries grow, adapt, and align with climate goals, ensuring sustainable progress through innovation, trade, and inclusive policymaking.
Future Energy Systems
Powering the next era of global progress. The global energy architecture is shifting toward systems that are clean, connected, and secure. Priorities include accelerating infrastructure development, expanding regional interconnectivity, and ensuring universal access for a just and inclusive transition.
Technology for Transformation
Innovating for systemic change. Breakthrough technologies offer powerful solutions to sustainability challenges. Emphasis is placed on cross-sector collaboration, entrepreneurship, and scaling innovations that create real-world impact.
Financing for Scale
Turning ambition into action. Sustainable transformation depends on mobilizing capital where it matters most. Key areas include securing funding for climate adaptation, nature-based solutions, and inclusive growth, particularly in emerging markets and high-potential ventures.
Inclusive Transitions
Putting people at the center of sustainability. A truly sustainable future must be shaped by diverse voices and lived experiences. Ensuring equity, justice, and representation in policy and system design is essential, amplifying the leadership of youth, women, indigenous communities, and vulnerable populations.
Clarity of idea: A strong, pillar-aligned concept tied to the 2026 theme.
Craft and originality: Excellent composition, storytelling, and responsible use of tools
Impact: A piece that makes complex systems feel human, actionable, and hopeful
Inclusion: Respectful representation, no stereotypes, accessibility considered (e.g., captions for motion pieces)
Statement (150–250 words): How your work engages the 2026 theme or ADSW guiding pillar(s)
Specs:
Static: min. 3000 px on the longest side; RGB; PNG/JPG.
Motion: up to 60s; 1080×1080, 1920×1080, or 1080×1920; MP4 (H.264)
Interactive/Web: provide a hosted URL + a 30–60s screen-capture video.
Credits and tools: List software, datasets, collaborators; confirm original rights.
The winner and two finalists will be recognized at the ADSW Summit on January 13, 2026 in Abu Dhabi, with airfare and accommodations provided.
Director of the Art Gallery at NYU
Managing Director Theater of Digital Art
Director Abu Dhabi Art
Calligraphy Artist
Artist
Visual Artist, Creative Director