2026 Emerging Vision: CPAC Biennial Student Show

Open Theme

This show is your chance to demonstrate your talent and point of view. The work of photography students that are emerging into the art world is how we picture the future. The Colorado Photographic Arts Center is having an open themed call for entry for students. This call for entry is open to current undergraduate and graduate students in photography. All capture types, subject matter, and photographic processes are eligible to submit.

DEADLINES & INFORMATION

Applicant submission deadline: Friday, September 11, 2026

Application notifications sent: September 30, 2026

Exhibition dates: November 20, 2026 - January 2, 2027

Opening reception: Saturday, November 21, 2026 from 5 - 8 pm

Exhibition Juror: Laura Sackett

Fees: $20 for the first 3 images and then $3 for each additional image after

AWARDS

Best in Show: Includes a feature article on LensCulture.com, along with promotion in LensCulture’s weekly newsletter reaching over 580,000 subscribers. The award winner will also receive $150 in custom printing from Digital Silver Imaging and a CPAC membership.

Honorable Mention: $150 in Custom Printing from Digital Silver Imaging and a CPAC membership.

JUROR
Laura Sackett is the creative director and co-founder of LensCulture, one of the leading sites committed to discovering and publishing the best in the contemporary photography. She leads all aspects of design including strategy, brand, website, print, communications, screenings and exhibitions. Besides leading the creative direction for LensCulture, she also designs and co-curates LensCulture exhibitions and the online galleries. Laura is a juror, reviewer & nominator in several international Photo Awards and Festivals. She is a founding Board Member of PhotoAlliance, and earned an MFA in photography from the California College of the Arts. She currently lives in Oakland, CA.

ABOUT THE COLORADO PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS CENTER

We support photographers at every level through resources, education, and opportunities while creating a welcoming space for everyone to engage with photography. Learn more at cpacphoto.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

If you have any questions about the guidelines, please call 303-837-1341 or email info@cpacphoto.org. Exhibition print sizes must be specified (height or width no larger than 65”) work will be hung with magnets. Artist can choose to frame, however, just prints can be sent. Exhibition sizes cannot be changed after acceptance. CPAC also understands that work may be presented in a non-traditional way that is integral to the art. Please contact us in advance if you feel your work fits into these criteria. 

Registration closes at midnight MST on Friday, September 11, 2026.

The gallery must receive artwork no later than Friday, November 13th. CPAC will charge a 30% sales commission.

Entry is open to regional, national, and international artists. All lens-based media are eligible, including but not limited to images made by film or video camera, scanner, screen-capture, digital camera, and any means of mobile photography. If work using AI is submitted, please be sure to note the use of AI.

Applicants must be current, undergraduate or graduate students enrolled at a post-secondary institution and not graduating before the end of the academic year 2025-2026. A copy of your current student schedule or student ID must be uploaded into Café or your entry will be disqualified or can be emailed to info@cpacphoto.org.