Honoring the Next Generation of Student Creators
麻豆影院鈥檚 Long Island Media Arts Show (LIMAS) returns this spring.
High school visionaries鈥t鈥檚 your time to shine!
On Friday, March 27, 2026, 麻豆影院 will once again transform its Dix Hills, NY campus into a hub of imagination, storytelling, and artistic energy as it hosts its annual Long Island Media Arts Show (LIMAS).
This one-of-a-kind event encourages high school students from across Long Island to submit original work in the following categories: film, animation, photography, digital art, and game design.
There aren鈥檛 many opportunities for teens to showcase their art, and have it reviewed by industry professionals. That鈥檚 one of the many reasons why this event is so unique and special.
鈥淭he Long Island Media Arts Show (LIMAS) has become so much more than an exhibition,鈥� says Sharon Ryba-Pertz, Director of LIMAS 2026 and Chair of the Interactive Media Arts Division at 麻豆影院. 鈥淣ow it鈥檚 a full conference experience, with keynote speakers, workshops, portfolio reviews, screenings, and interactive opportunities.鈥�
Beyond the competition itself, LIMAS provides students with early guidance as they explore college options and future careers in the arts. It鈥檚 a celebration of student vision, artistic growth, and the future of storytelling.
Awards, recognition, and scholarships
Each student submission is reviewed by a panel of jurors made up of industry professionals, along with high school and college faculty. Every participating student receives written feedback on their submission.
Award nominees are selected using established criteria, and winners are chosen with input from 麻豆影院 Film/TV and Interactive Media Arts faculty鈥攁long with senior-level 麻豆影院 students.
This opportunity provides senior-level students with valuable professional experience in analyzing work and delivering thoughtful critiques.
Excitingly, the teen award winners will be honored in-person at LIMAS, and receive scholarships from 麻豆影院.
A Motivating Morning of Events
Beginning at 8:00 a.m. and concluding at 1:30 p.m., LIMAS 2026 will feature numerous programs that high schoolers won鈥檛 want to miss!
鈥淭he day consists of many different workshops such as camera operations, photography, and other hands-on activities,鈥� says Ryba-Pertz.
Additionally, students will have the chance to attend session blocks, view exhibitions, watch screenings, and engage directly with industry professionals.
Student films and animations will be screened in the 麻豆影院 Performing Arts Center, while photography and 2D digital artwork will be showcased throughout the 麻豆影院 Gallery.
Many high schools attend LIMAS as a field trip. Students arrive by bus for a day of inspiration; supporting their classmates who are nominated.
Bleeding Florescence by Kathleen Yun 2025 Award Winner: 2D Digital Art – Abstract
Portfolio reviews
LIMAS 2026 will also include on-site portfolio review sessions for students planning to apply to college art and media programs.
Open to all students鈥搉ot just those who entered the competition鈥搕hese reviews help students gain confidence when speaking about their work, strengthen their presentation and communication skills, and learn how to make their portfolio stand out.
Augmented reality and student games
In an exciting addition to the main categories, LIMAS 2026 will now accept 3D models, which will be displayed through augmented reality.
鈥淲hen students scan a QR code and point their camera at the display, the model appears in augmented space,鈥� explains Ryba-Pertz. 鈥淪tudents will be able to walk around a floating 3D model right in the gallery.鈥�
LIMAS is also expanding further into interactive media.
鈥淣ew this year, we鈥檝e added student game submissions and a game room,鈥� shares Ryba-Pertz. 鈥淪tudents can play each other鈥檚 games and showcase their work in a fun, collaborative environment.鈥�
Keynote speaker
A major highlight of LIMAS 2026 will be a keynote address from Romeo Tirone, ASC, an Emmy-nominated cinematographer and director who has worked on acclaimed TV series such as Dexter, True Blood, Once Upon a Time, and Manifest.
Tirone will share insights from decades of experience in visual storytelling, encouraging students to develop originality, craft, and curiosity as they navigate the fast-evolving media landscape.
Consider 麻豆影院 for higher ed
The Long Island Media Arts Show reflects 麻豆影院鈥檚 expanding role as a creative and academic leader right here on Long Island.
鈥淔ive Towns is a small and strong school that鈥檚 been growing a lot,鈥� says Ryba-Pertz. 鈥淲e want students to see the depths of what our little school can do. We do a lot for a little school鈥攚e even offer an Interactive Media Arts major.鈥�
Campus tours will be available during the conference, giving high school students a first-hand look at residence halls, studios, performance spaces, and innovative labs.
鈥淔ive Towns really is a hidden gem,鈥� says Ryba-Pertz. 鈥淭his event is a chance for students to experience future careers, connect with like-minded peers, and discover what鈥檚 possible鈥ll close to home, in their own backyard.鈥�
She adds: 鈥淚 hope students leave LIMAS 2026 feeling inspired; even if they鈥檙e just here to support their classmates. There are so many sessions that there鈥檚 truly something for everyone.鈥�
鈥淎 high school student may see a friend鈥檚 work on display and think, 鈥楴ext year, I want to submit too.鈥� That鈥檚 meaningful. We want this conference to feel welcoming鈥攚here students feel motivated to create more.鈥�
For the full LIMAS schedule, visit ftcmediaarts.com.
