It’s time to cast your vote for your favorite piece of artwork in the 2024 Science Without Borders® Challenge! This annual art contest, run by the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, is designed to raise awareness about critical ocean issues and engage students in ocean science and conservation through art.

This year’s theme is “Hidden Wonders of the Deep,” and students from around the world have submitted their best artwork portraying the beauty and wonder of life in the deep sea. The artwork is judged in two categories based on age, with winners selected from younger students (11-14 years old) and older students (15-19 years old). But that’s not all — there’s also a “People’s Choice” award that you can help decide!

To cast your vote, simply head over to the Living Oceans Foundation’s Facebook page and “like” your favorite photo in the photo gallery of the finalist’s artwork from each age group. It’s that easy! The finalists with the most likes in each category by noon ET on Monday, April 29th will be crowned the “People’s Choice” winners and receive a $50 scholarship.

So why should you vote? Well, not only will you be supporting the next generation of students interested in ocean conservation, but you’ll also have the opportunity to see some truly amazing artwork. From stunning seafloor scenes to detailed portraits of deep-sea fish, each piece is a testament to the beauty and importance of life in our oceans.

Voting for the People’s Choice Awards will not impact the official judges who are evaluating the artwork for the contest, and will not influence the winners of the Science Without Borders® Challenge. The artwork is already being judged by a panel of experts in a separate process that evaluates the artwork according to a grading rubric that focuses heavily on how well the artwork portrays this year’s theme. The People’s Choice award is just a fun way for people around the world to get involved and share their favorite artwork with us, and show their appreciation for the students who spent so much of their time and talent creating these brilliant pieces of artwork.

So what are you waiting for? Dive into the finalists’ galleries, explore the artwork, and cast your vote for the best of the best!