First Stories: A First-Gen Art Gallery
First Stories is an art program by Triton Firsts that encourages and supports first-generation students to engage in art as a form of storytelling to not only shine a light on our experiences as first-gen students, and also to feel empowered in our identities. Through art, we can reclaim the power of our identities—both visible and invisible—illuminating stories that have long been hidden or marginalized. The pieces in this exhibition serve as a testament to the beauty that exists in our everyday life that sustains us and keeps us moving forward.
By making the invisible visible, "First Stories” creates a space for first-generation students by honoring and affirming their lived experiences, joy, and excellency. The art gallery will weave together narratives that bridge generations, cultures, and communities. It is a call to reflect on where we come from, who we are, and how we carry our stories forward into the future. The art display will illuminate the experiences that define the first-gen identity, while also capturing the unique culture of UC San Diego.
The theme for this year’s First Stories’ showcase is The Beauty in Existing. This theme is embedded in the notion that there are intentional and unintentional acts that we as first-generation students from multicultural backgrounds engage in that sustain and nourish our lives. These acts can vary from small aspects of our lives such as shared moments and conversations with our loved ones, to bigger, intentional acts such as emphasizing and engraining cultural and familial knowledge, literature, traditions, etc. in our everyday lives.
Through this theme, artists will be prompted to think about the joy and beauty of their personal, familial, and cultural experiences that acted as a form of sustenance, how it set the foundation for perseverance, and shaped their dreams and ambitions. We are not seeking to romanticize our hardships and struggles but rather highlight the joy and beauty in our world that moves, helps us grow, and celebrates our existence despite those hardships. Even the most minute, unintentional acts of joy and love are ones that bring us closer to our communities and our selves.
All art submissions will be submitted for an opportunity to win a $1000 scholarship. There will be a total of 5 winners.
2026 First Stories Timeline
January 26
- Interest Form Opens
Students may submit an interest form to participate in First Stories.
February 6
- Interest Form Closes
February 9
- Program Details Sent to Participants
Registered students receive next steps, including participation expectations, coaching information, and available Craft Center support
March 9 – March 29
[Submission Window Open]
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Final submission deadline: March 27 at 11:59 PM
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48-hour grace period available (final deadline: March 29)
Week of April 13
- Scholarship Notifications Sent
April 23, 4:00–6:00 PM
- First Stories Art Gallery Exhibition
First Stories Rubric
| Criteria | 1 Much less than expected |
2 Less than expected |
3 Slightly more than expected |
4 Above expectations |
5 Exceeds expectations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connection to Theme / Concept & Message | No connection to identity or empowerment | Weak connection to identity or empowerment | Some connection, but lacks depth | Strong connection to identity and empowerment | Deep, impactful connection to identity and empowerment |
| Synopsis Clarity / Readability | Confusing, unclear, and disorganized | Somewhat unclear, lacks flow | Mostly clear with minor issues | Clear and concise, logical sequence | Extremely clear and well-structured |
| Connection Between Synopsis & Art | No connection between synopsis and art | Weak connection, little context | Adequate connection | Strong complementary relationship | Perfect harmony between art and synopsis |
| Effective Use of Medium | Medium detracts from message | Somewhat complements the message | Supports the message | Significantly enhances the message | Perfect integration of medium and message |
| Completeness | Incomplete or rushed | Lacks depth | Complete but could be refined | Well thought-out | Fully realized with attention to detail |
| Originality & Creativity | Unoriginal and predictable | Some originality | Moderately creative | Highly creative | Exceptionally original and innovative |
2025 FIRST STORIES VIRTUAL ART GALLERY
View the winning pieces and all art submissions for our 2025 First Stories art competition
Is First Stories only open to first-generation students?
Yes. This opportunity is open to students who identify as first-generation.
Not sure if you’re considered first-gen? You are likely a first-generation student if you answered “no” to either of the following questions:
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Did either of your parents receive a bachelor’s degree?
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Did either of your parents complete a four-year degree in the United States?
What types of art are accepted for submission?
All forms of art are welcome! This includes, but is not limited to:
Music, performance/acting, dance, photography, digital design, storytelling, comics, poetry, slam poetry, sculpture, painting, and more
How and when will the scholarship be awarded?
5 selected winners will receive a $1,000 scholarship during the 2025-2026 academic year through Financial Aid
In accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, the University of California does not discriminate, or grant preferences, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories.
- More information about Article 1, Section 31 of the California Constitution (also called Proposition 209) can be found here.
- More information about the University of California Anti-Discrimination Policy can be found here