Submit Art for the International Outdoor Juried Exhibition 2027

Deadline: 01-Jul-2026

The Embracing Our Differences Art Competition invites artists worldwide to submit original artworks that promote inclusion, individuality, and social change. Selected pieces will be displayed as billboard-size images in Southwest Florida, with cash awards totaling $6,000. Participation is open to professionals, amateurs, and students, emphasizing creativity, artistic excellence, and the power of visual art to foster empathy and dialogue.

Overview of the Competition

The Embracing Our Differences Art Competition encourages artists to create works that celebrate diversity, promote understanding, and drive social impact. The exhibition highlights how visual art can communicate powerful messages without words and foster a more inclusive and respectful society.

Key Thematic Directions

1. Inclusivity and Acceptance: Artworks promoting empathy, understanding, and celebration of all individuals, regardless of background or characteristics.

2. Celebrating Individuality: Focus on unique appearances, personal journeys, self-acceptance, and fostering self-awareness and positive attitudes.

3. Addressing Challenges and Promoting Resilience: Art that confronts societal barriers such as bullying, discrimination, racial, cultural, or socio-economic differences, and physical or mental impairments.

4. Building Bridges: Art encouraging dialogue, kindness, and understanding across different groups to strengthen community and shared humanity.

Awards and Recognition

• Total cash prizes: $6,000

• Best-in-Show Adult: $2,000

• Best-in-Show Student: $2,000

• People’s Choice Award: $2,000, determined by exhibition visitors

• Selected artworks displayed as billboard-size images in multiple locations in Southwest Florida from mid-January to mid-April

• Each piece accompanied by a thought-provoking quotation to create an immersive public experience

Eligibility

• Open to professional and amateur artists, and students worldwide

• Participants must be at least 13 years old to submit independently; younger artists may enter with parental or guardian consent

• Teachers may submit student work on their behalf using a simplified submission process

Submission Requirements

• Original artwork only; AI-generated work is not accepted

• Horizontal orientation; aspect ratio: 12.8 inches wide x 8.8 inches high

• High-resolution digital file: minimum 300 dpi, maximum 400MB

• Artist statement: ≤150 words explaining the artwork, creative process, and relevance to the theme

• File labeling: Artwork title (≤5 words) and artist name; “Embracing Our Differences” cannot appear in title or artwork

• No edits allowed after submission unless unlocked by administration

Judging Criteria

• Blind review by a panel of professional artists and art experts

• Evaluation based on:

  • Artistic excellence and originality

  • Clarity of theme

  • Effectiveness in large-scale display

  • Ability to provoke discussion and engagement

How to Participate

1. Create an original artwork aligned with one or more thematic directions

2. Prepare high-resolution digital file according to technical specifications

3. Include a brief artist statement of ≤150 words

4. Label the digital file correctly with artwork title and artist name

5. Submit through the official Embracing Our Differences platform

6. Teachers may submit on behalf of students and provide parental consent if required

Common Mistakes & Tips

• Using AI-generated images leads to disqualification

• Incorrect file labeling or aspect ratio may result in rejection

• Exceeding file size or resolution limits can prevent submission

• Omitting or exceeding word count for the artist statement reduces clarity

• Including “Embracing Our Differences” in artwork or title is not allowed

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can submit? Artists worldwide, including professionals, amateurs, and students, aged 13 or older.

2. Can younger participants submit? Yes, with parental or guardian consent.

3. Are there limits on entries? No limit on number of submissions per participant.

4. Is there an entry fee? No, submissions are free.

5. What format is required? Digital file, horizontal, 12.8 x 8.8 inches, 300 dpi minimum.

6. Can AI-generated art be submitted? No, AI-generated artworks are disqualified.

7. How are winners determined? A professional panel evaluates artistic excellence, originality, clarity, large-scale effectiveness, and discussion potential; People’s Choice is voted by exhibition visitors.

Conclusion

The Embracing Our Differences Art Competition 2027 celebrates the power of visual art to promote inclusion, individuality, and social change. By submitting original, thought-provoking artwork, artists contribute to a public exhibition that inspires empathy, dialogue, and a stronger sense of shared humanity across communities.

For more information, visit Embracing Our Differences.