---
title: "May 2026: $1K Open Theme Competition"
description: Open theme competition for all artistic mediums. One winner receives $1,000 cash prize, a spotlight interview, and a feature in the Pennsylvania Journal of Arts and Sciences.
url: https://www.artsume.com/programs/e5bb733f-2a67-46e1-8bde-b170209a8f64
type: program
status: closed
createdAt: "2026-05-28"
updatedAt: "2026-09-23"
programType: Prize/award
organization: Pennsylvania Journal of Arts and Sciences
organizationUrl: https://www.artsume.com/o/pennsylvania-journal-of-arts-and-sciences
deadline: "2026-05-31"
location: Philadelphia
isOnline: true
compensationRange: $1,000 cash prize + spotlight interview feature + publication in upcoming issue
disciplines:
  - painting
  - sculpture
  - photography
  - digital art
  - mixed media
  - drawing
  - printmaking
  - ceramics
  - installation
  - video
  - performance
---

# May 2026: $1K Open Theme Competition

**Hosted by:** Pennsylvania Journal of Arts and Sciences

**Type:** Prize/award | **Location:** Philadelphia | **Deadline:** May 31, 2026

## 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.

Theme: Completely open: interpret freely, without restrictions.
Mediums: All artistic forms welcomed (including traditional, digital, mixed media, photography, and experimental).
Submission: Provide high-resolution images or files of your work along with a concise artist statement (max 200 words) that highlights your concept or process.

## Eligibility & Requirements

- **Geographic Eligibility:** International
- **Disciplines:** painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, mixed media, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, installation, video, performance
- **Note:** Only one entry per artist. Submissions must include 1–6 pieces.

### Additional Requirements

1–6 pieces (only one entry per artist). High-resolution images or files (GIF, JPG, PNG), max 50MB per file. Artist statement max 200 words highlighting concept or process. Work description (optional) outlining medium, approach, or context.

## Compensation & Benefits

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

**Includes:** Prize

## Timeline

- **Opens:** May 28, 2026
- **Deadline:** May 31, 2026

## How to Apply

Apply at: https://app.entrythingy.com/apply/14063/