Art for a Cause 2026
Formerly “Words for a Cause” – Now Bigger, Bolder, and More Creative Than Ever
Unleash Your Creativity. Share Your Strength. Inspire Resilience.
Welcome to Art for a Cause, The Care Workers’ Charity’s annual creative challenge. A celebration of imagination in all its forms.
In 2026, as we proudly mark the 8th year of this much-loved initiative, we’re inviting care workers to express themselves through writing, poetry, music, illustration, photography, mixed media or art.
This is your moment to show the world the power, courage, and heart that exists within the care community.
About the Creative Challenge
Art for a Cause is designed to spotlight the voices and talents of care workers, offering a platform to share personal experiences, reflections, and creative interpretations connected to the care sector.
After seven inspiring years championing written storytelling, we’re now embracing a wider world of creativity – welcoming art, sound, imagery, and performance alongside writing.
Theme for 2026: Strength & Resilience
What does strength look like in the world of care?
How does resilience show up in the everyday moments that matter most?
Where do you find the courage to keep giving, supporting, and caring?
Whether through a poem, a melody, a brushstroke, or a photograph, your creation should capture the essence of this year’s theme – celebrating the remarkable spirit of care workers and the people you support.
Prizes
- Top Writing and Poetry Prize: £150
- Top Art Prize: £150
- Top Music Prize: £150
The three winning entries will be showcased in The CWC Circular, on our website, and across our social media channels.
How to Participate
Create Your Piece
You may submit:
- Written work (poems, short stories, essays, reflections – up to 750 words)
- Artwork (illustrations, drawings, paintings, digital art, photography, mixed media)
- Music or spoken-word recordings
All entries must be created by care workers. All entries must be your original work and guided by your own ideas. We discourage the use of AI tools to create your final piece.
Submit Your Entry
Email your submission to fundraising@thecwc.org.uk:
- Attach your creative piece (Word document for writing; image/audio/video files or link/picture of for other media)
- Email subject: “Art for a Cause Submission”
- Include your name, job title, employer, and title of your submission
- Deadline: 5pm, 20th March 2026
Key Dates
- Submission Deadline: 5pm, 20th March 2026
- Judging: Week commencing 23rd March 2026
- Winners Announced: 31st March 2026
Join Us
Help us make the 8th year of Art for a Cause a powerful celebration of creativity, courage, and the extraordinary strength and resilience found across the care sector.