---
title: '$1K Open Theme Competition: May 2026'
description: >-
  International open competition for all art forms. One winner receives $1,000
  cash prize plus a spotlight feature in PJA Magazine.
url: 'https://www.artsume.com/programs/1caf6a89-6669-43b9-ba0e-7d174d04cf1d'
type: program
status: closed
createdAt: '2026-05-28'
updatedAt: '2026-09-30'
programType: Prize/award
organization: PJA Magazine
organizationUrl: 'https://www.artsume.com/o/pja-magazine'
deadline: '2026-06-01'
entryFee: 25 USD
location: 'PA, United States'
isOnline: false
compensationRange: >-
  $1,000 cash prize + spotlight interview feature + prominent place in upcoming
  issue
disciplines:
  - painting
  - sculpture
  - photography
  - digital art
  - mixed media
---

# $1K Open Theme Competition: May 2026

**Hosted by:** PJA Magazine

**Type:** Prize/award | **Location:** PA, United States | **Deadline:** June 1, 2026 | **Entry fee:** $25

## About This Program

> "Open theme — interpret freely, without restrictions"

We invite you to take part in our May 2026 Open Theme Competition. Whether you paint, sculpt, photograph, or create digital art, we want to see how you approach your work, provoke thought, or capture a moment. One standout entry will receive a $1000 cash prize, a spotlight interview feature, and a prominent place in our upcoming issue. Finalists are also eligible to receive a feature in our upcoming issue.

## Eligibility & Requirements

- **Geographic Eligibility:** International
- **Disciplines:** painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, mixed media
- **Note:** Open to artists worldwide. Maximum 5 entries per applicant.

### Additional Requirements

Provide high-resolution images or files of your work along with a concise artist statement (max 200 words) that highlights your concept or process. Art must be photographed in a professional manner, and artist statements must not exceed the word limit. Minimum 1, maximum 5 work samples.

## Compensation & Benefits

$1,000 cash prize + spotlight interview feature + prominent place in upcoming issue

**Includes:** Prize

## Timeline

- **Opens:** May 28, 2026
- **Deadline:** June 1, 2026

## Contact

**Email:** sokadan@sas.upenn.edu

## How to Apply

Apply at: https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=17564