Welcome to Design Your Habitat International Art Competitions Imagining Life Beyond Earth.
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Calling all artists, students, scientists, and dreamers to shape the future by creating bold visions of habitats and communities on a spaceship, the Moon, Mars or beyond.

We host core competitions for all ages, and regional activities with our partners for eligible participants. 
No matter where you are located, we have something for you! 
Winning artworks will be showcased online and in person as part of our global exhibits.
Explore the gallery. Learn. Share your vision. Shape what’s next.

​Submit your art! 

​​Create a visual or video artwork imagining sustainable living environments in space via multiple competitions.
Participate in the Core Competition for all ages.
Starting July 1st 2026, we will select exceptional art every January and July from submissions to the Core Competition. The best of these artworks will be showcased on SciArt Exchange social media, in our website gallery, and at in person events. Exceptional art will receive a $50 gift card.

Artwork will be judged on: Aesthetics and Skill, Creativity, Scientific Accuracy, and Fulfilled Intent to relay key elements of the project theme in an engaging, informative and inspiring way. 
Artwork guidelines: Images must be .jpg, .gif, .png or pdf files, with 25 Mb maximum file size. 
Video guidelines: Upload your video to YouTube or Vimeo and provide the link created on the online Entry Form. Select “view publicly” and do NOT allow embedding of comments, comment voting, video responses, video rating, or external sites in the video.  
Share Your Artwork on social media using #DesignYourHabitat.
​Engage in one of our Regional Activities:
  • Moon and Mars Innovation Challenge: Explore Mars and SciArt Exchange are jointly presenting a challenge inviting middle school and high school students to explore the craftsmanship, cultural knowledge, trade skills, and communication skills that will shape the next generation of Martian and Lunar habitats. Participants should submit their Design Your Habitat poster and video entries specifically to the Moon and Mars Innovation Challenge submission site. 
  • Queens Public Library: Teens are invited to imagine and design future space communities that support both survival and creativity on the Moon, Mars, or in orbit. Through expert-led sessions, hands-on activities, and artistic projects, participants will create 2D artwork or short videos showcasing their vision, with select works featured by SciArt Exchange and Queens Public Library. Membership Subscription Required $. For more information on subscription options contact [email protected]
  • Tech Fest Live (Coming Soon)
Eligibility and recognition vary with each activity.
Get help thinking, exploring and creating your ideal space habitat or community.

Connect Within Virtual Activities!

DYH connects participants of all ages - to a vibrant hub for interaction, collaboration, and creativity beyond traditional boundaries.


​Virtual Creativity Workshops and Webinars:
Connect with SciArt Exchange LIVE for art and science sessions, fostering a global community. Guided by a professional artist or scientist, participants will learn, engage in chat, and collaborate to broaden their horizons. 
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FREE Virtual Event Replay​
​Living and Working Space w/Nicole Stott - Join astronaut and artist Nicole Stott as she shares what it’s really like aboard the International Space Station​.

"Design Your habitat" Beginnings 

Banner artwork by artists Adrianna Allen and Ashley De Jesus
During the pandemic, we were all in isolation and confinement. Through Design Your Habitat we imagined our ideal living spaces, whether on Earth, in space, or on another planet. We shared our ideas, drawing inspiration from our isolated lifestyles, to envision what it would be like to explore space or settle on distant planets.

​We enjoyed engaging in fun activities under 8 themes related to our current Earth habitats and those on spacecrafts, stations, and outposts. The activities were designed for all ages but were particularly accessible to youth aged 10-18. The information is still helpful today!