Teen Arts Festival Breaks Yet Another Record

College Hill Writer

Photo by J. Jeffreys

The 2026 Teen Arts Festival, held on the 10th of March and on a vibrantly sunny day where the temperature outside nearly exceeded 75 degrees, made history. For the first time in its 57-year history, the festival’s participants totaled an impressive 1,600 students as well as teachers from 22 different schools and art studios located all across Sussex County.  

Featuring an impressive showcase of 500 pieces of artwork, 150 adjudicated student performances, 40 hands-on workshops, and 5 student-made short films, students engaged in various artistic disciplines, including poetry, prose, film, fine art, musical theater, vocal music, and instrumental music. 

“We are incredibly proud to host an event that celebrates the immense talent of Sussex County’s young artists,” said Anita Collins, Teen Arts Coordinator.  “It’s inspiring to see students explore their creativity and gain confidence in their artistic pursuits.” 

Photo by J. Jeffreys

Given the roles of festival adjudicators, student volunteers, and SCCC ambassadors stemming from different departments such as the performing arts and graphic design programs, it is no surprise that the 2026 Teen Arts Festival achieved the historic feat of breaking student participation records. 

Leaving a lasting impact on educators and students, the Teen Arts Festival came to be a touching mass celebration of the arts, and a much-needed reminder of the therapeutic, intellectual, and generally valuable role that the arts play in education and within society at large in an increasingly precarious world. 

"The Teen Arts experience introduces students to a diversity of arts and opens the door to future career opportunities," stated Nancy Gallo, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs. By introducing students from different school districts to the many worlds of the arts, the Teen Arts Festival inspires students to appreciate the arts and, quite possibly, inspires students to pursue careers in the arts as well.

Photo by J. Jeffreys