Your favorite Hawaii contest is back~
Kawaii Kon’s VAST Video Art Contest is open for submission!
Now you’re all probably wondering what the heck happened to buma (again)?! Don’t worry he’s still here. I’m just taking over because…he let me…? Some of you may have seen me around on Discord in BentoVid - I’m lexx!
Here’s the 411 so y’all don’t think I just showed up out of nowhere…
I’ve been with Kawaii Kon since 2008 and managed the Video Rooms since 2012. In 2013, I became a judge for the VAST Video Art Contest and helped with various behind the scene things for VAST ever since. Then I did some VAST contest openers and what not since 2023 and virtual kon.
Ok enough about me, please be kind as I figure this all out! Contest info is below!
--------------------
Kawaii Kon’s VAST Video Art Contest is back for its 19th year! This could be your year to win our custom laser-cut wooden plaques!
For 2026, Kawaii Kon will be held from April 24, 2026 to April 26, 2026. The finalists and winners of the VAST Video Art Contest will be showcased on Saturday, April 25, 2026. All submissions are pre-judged. Finalists will be notified by email. Winners will be announced at the end of the showcase on Saturday.
We generally follow the A-M-V.org CONGRSS Rules
To view our full contest rules for 2026 go to our website here.
PLEASE READ!
The deadline is SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2026 11:59 PM HST
Enter your submission via our Google form here
The quick and fast summary:
- No more than 2 videos can be entered per editor. MEPs are accepted.
- Keep it PG-13! No adult-only themed videos.
- All forms of video art can be entered. We are not anime exclusive.
- Preferred length is 1 to 4 minutes, but not a requirement
- Videos that were submitted to previous VAST Video Art Contests are not eligible.
- In general, the awards are as follows: Best in Showcase, Showcase Runner-up, Judges Choice, Directors Choice