Submit Art | 2028 Exhibition

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: July 1, 2027

CASH AWARDS: $6,000 TOTAL
$2,000 each for Best-in-Show Adult, Best-in-Show Student & People's Choice Award

About the Competition

Art is a powerful tool to inspire understanding, connection and positive social change. Without uttering a single word, it can enlighten, educate and encourage people to see the world from a different perspective. Embracing Our Differences invites you to use your creativity to help build a society where inclusion is embraced and individuality is celebrated.

Be part of this effort by submitting your original artwork to Embracing Our Differences’ annual international outdoor juried art exhibition.

About the Exhibition

Featuring 50 billboard-size images measuring 16 feet (4.88m) wide by 12.5 feet (3.81m) high accompanied by a thought-provoking quotation, the exhibition showcases works created by local, national and international artists and writers reflecting their interpretations of the theme embracing our differences.

The exhibition will be on display mid-January through April at multiple locations along Florida's Cultural Coast in Southwest Florida. Since 2004, the exhibition has hosted more than 5.6 million visitors, in addition to 743,000 students via our education programs, for a very unique opportunity to experience the importance of inclusion, kindness, and respect in our lives.

To view past winning selections, please visit our Galleries.

FOR EDUCATORS: Tips & Tricks working with your students to create art and quotations

Looking for resources to help students create submissions? Here are some helpful hints and tips from visual arts educators:

Frequently Asked Questions

Who may enter?

Artists of all ages and experience levels are encouraged to participate, including professional artists, emerging artists, students, and amateur artists from around the world. There is no entry fee and no limit on the number of submissions.

Entrants submitting through our website must be at least 13 years old. Artists under age 13 may participate with the consent of a parent or guardian.

Is there a submission or entry fee? 

No.

Are there cash awards?

Yes. A total of $6,000 (US) will be awarded:

• $2,000 – Best-in-Show Adult
• $2,000 – Best-in-Show Student
• $2,000 – People’s Choice

The Best-in-Show Adult and Best-in-Show Student awards are selected prior to the exhibition. The People’s Choice Award is determined by exhibition visitors and announced at the conclusion of the exhibition.

What is the theme of the competition?

Final selections will reflect our theme, “Embracing Our Differences.” The theme celebrates the richness and complexity of human experience and encourages artists to explore and express different facets of identity, background, perspective, and experience.

• Inclusivity and Acceptance: Artworks that promote understanding, empathy, and the celebration of all individuals, regardless of their background or characteristics.
• Freedom of Expression: Artwork that uses visual expression to communicate ideas, perspectives, experiences, or points of view in a thoughtful and meaningful way.
• Celebrating Individuality: Pieces that highlight the beauty of unique appearances, personal journeys, and self-acceptance, fostering self-awareness and positive attitudes.
• Addressing Challenges and Promoting Resilience: Art that confronts issues such as bullying, discrimination, or societal barriers related to racial differences, physical or mental impairments, language, religious or cultural differences, and socio-economic status.
• Building Bridges: Art that encourages dialogue, understanding, and kindness across different groups, fostering a sense of community and shared humanity.

*Examples only, not to be considered as all-inclusive.

What are the selection criteria?

All submissions must be an original concept and execution and not a copy or reproduction of the work of another person's work.

A blind judging panel of professional artists, curators, and art professionals will make the final selections for the exhibition. The judges will not have access to any identifying information about the artists.

Selections will be based on artistic excellence and originality in reflection of our theme, “Embracing Our Differences.” The panel will also consider:

• Clarity of Theme: Is the theme clear and easily understood? While discussion points can enhance understanding, they shouldn't be necessary for initial comprehension.
• Artistic Quality: What is the overall artistic quality of the work?
• Effectiveness at Large Scale: Will the artwork remain visually strong and impactful when reproduced at approximately 16 feet wide by 12.5 feet high?
• Originality in Concept: Does the art explore the theme in an unusual or previously unexplored manner?
• Power and Impact of Message: Does the submission provoke thought, emotion, curiosity or discussion? Can Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) be employed to facilitate deeper discussion and evaluation of the artwork's message and impact?
• Originality in Imagery and Content: Does the artwork present original imagery and content rather than relying heavily on commonly used or widely available imagery?

Final selections also consider how individual works contribute to the strength, variety, and overall cohesiveness of the complete exhibition

*Embracing Our Differences, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and is not a political organization, therefore it cannot endorse or promote any political candidates.

Do I need to submit my original work of art?

No, only a digital file of your original artwork is required. Due to the number received, submissions will not be returned. Teachers submitting student artwork should click here or email us for a simplified submission process.

May I submit my artwork even though I have submitted it to other competitions or to Embracing Our Differences in the past?

Yes, there is no restriction on submitting art that has been previously submitted to Embracing Our Differences or other competitions.

What is the acceptable size and digital formats for creating and submitting my art?

Artwork may be created in any size or medium. All submissions must be provided as a high-resolution digital file in JPG/JPEG, PDF, or PNG format and must meet the technical requirements outlined above, including the required 16:11 horizontal aspect ratio.

Submissions that do not meet the technical requirements may be disqualified.

Click here to download templates for creating Embracing Our Differences artwork in the proper dimensions.

What does "horizontal" mean? Why is it important?

We need your artwork in a horizontal format, which means it should be wider than it is tall. This is essential because our exhibition banners are displayed in this orientation. 

What does "high resolution" and "minimum 300 dpi" mean?

The digital copy of your art should have the highest resolution possible and at a minimum no less than 300 dpi. A resolution of 600 dpi or higher is preferred. The higher the resolution, the better your art will reproduce when it is printed in a large-scale format (16 feet [5m] wide by 12.5 feet [4m] high) for the exhibition.

May I submit more than one art image file on a single flash drive?

Yes, if making multiple submissions by mail, you may include all digital art images on a single flash drive. You must clearly identify each file with the title of the artwork and your name – for example, “Artwork Title-Mark Smith.” A separate signed submission form, color print and artist statement will be required for each artwork submitted.

If you are making multiple submissions online, you will need to submit each work of art as a separate entry.

Will I be credited for my work?

Yes, you will receive full credit for your artistic creation. Please see our Terms and Conditions page as well as our Privacy Policy for additional information.

If selected, do I retain the rights to my art?

Yes. You retain ownership of your artwork while granting Embracing Our Differences certain license rights as outlined below.

If selected for the exhibition, by your submission, you will agree to irrevocably grant to Embracing Our Differences and its related organizations, affiliates, licensees and assigns, in its sole and absolute discretion, without restriction or limitation, a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty free, perpetual, irrevocable license (with the right to sublicense) to use, publish, modify, adapt, translate, create derivative works, distribute and display your work and personal information, including your name, age (if a student) and city/state/country of residence, for exhibits, displays, catalogs, posters, advertising, educational, merchandising/promotional materials and other purposes throughout the world via any media now known or hereinafter devised.

If your artwork is selected for display, you agree to execute additional documentation to effectuate this grant. Please see our Term and Conditions page as well as our Privacy Policy for additional information.

Do I need a quotation with my art submission?

No, our creative writing contest is a separate competition.

When will final selections be made and how will I be notified?

Judging will take place in early fall and those selected for inclusion in the exhibition will be notified by email. Due to the volume of submissions, only artists/writers with entries selected for display will be notified individually. All winning entries will be posted on our website by early January. “Like” us on Facebook to find out earlier.

How many entries will be selected for the exhibit?

50 artworks will be selected for inclusion in the exhibition.

When and where will the exhibit be displayed?

The 2028 exhibition will be displayed mid-January through mid-April at multiple locations in Southwest Florida.

As a teacher submitting student art, is there anything I need to know?

Yes! Teachers may complete and sign submission forms on behalf of their students. For a simplified process. Click here for more info.