$1K Open Theme Competition: September 2026

Calling all creative minds! Our magazine’s September 2026 Open Theme Competition is now accepting submissions for a chance to win a $1000 prize, feature interview, and publication. Show us your unique perspective—anything goes, any style or medium. Artists of all levels are welcome. To enter, submit your works and a brief artist statement. Join us, share your vision, and let your art be celebrated!

The Pennsylvania Journal of Arts & Sciences invites artists to participate in its September 2026 Open Theme Competition, an international open call designed to recognize compelling contemporary creative work without restrictions on subject matter, style, or medium.

The theme is completely open. Artists are encouraged to submit work that best represents their individual practice, whether it explores a specific idea, captures a particular moment, experiments with form, or simply demonstrates a distinctive visual perspective. Rather than requiring entrants to respond to a predetermined prompt, the competition gives artists the freedom to determine what they want their work to communicate.

All artistic media are welcomed, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, digital art, mixed media, collage, illustration, installation, and experimental or interdisciplinary practices.

Entrants should provide high-resolution images or files of their work together with a concise artist statement of no more than 200 words describing the concept, process, context, or ideas behind the submission.

One standout entry will receive a $1,000 cash prize, a dedicated spotlight interview feature, and prominent placement in an upcoming issue of PJAS. Finalists will also be eligible for publication in an upcoming issue.

Submissions are considered with attention to originality, artistic direction, conceptual or emotional resonance, execution, and the overall strength of the work. Artists at different stages of their careers are welcome to apply.

PJAS seeks work that feels intentional, memorable, and individual. There is no preferred subject, aesthetic, or approach; the purpose of the Open Theme Competition is to give artists the freedom to submit the work they believe deserves to be seen.

Art must be photographed in a professional manner, and artist statements must not exceed the word limit.

Open to artists worldwide.