Photography Contest

The Lumen Prize 2026

Deadline |
05/26/26Theme |
Digital innovation, spanning technology and creativityTerritory |
WorldwideEligibility |
Open to all 18+Entry Fees |
Between $30 and $40Prizes |
Cash PrizeHost |
The Lumen PrizeThe Lumen Prize for Art and Technology is a globally recognised award celebrating the best in digital and technology-driven art. Since its inception in 2012, the competition has showcased artists who push the boundaries of creative innovation, blending art with cutting-edge technology such as artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and blockchain. With its mission to promote digital art on an international stage, the Lumen Prize has become a prestigious platform for emerging and established artists alike, highlighting work that challenges conventional artistic methods while embracing the limitless possibilities of the digital realm.
Each year, the Lumen Prize attracts submissions from artists, collectives, and creative studios working across diverse digital mediums, including generative art, interactive installations, motion graphics, and digital sculpture. The competition not only offers substantial prize money but also provides global exposure through exhibitions, networking opportunities, and collaboration prospects. By bridging the gap between technology and artistic expression, the Lumen Prize fosters a dynamic community of digital artists who are redefining contemporary art. The awards are judged by a distinguished panel of industry experts, curators, and thought leaders in digital arts, ensuring that the winning works represent the pinnacle of creative excellence.
Beyond the prize money, the Lumen Prize offers long-term career benefits, including curated opportunities for winners to showcase their work at leading galleries, festivals, and institutions worldwide. With categories covering everything from still image and moving image to immersive experiences and digital poetry, the competition reflects the evolving nature of art in the digital age. By championing technological innovation and artistic talent, the Lumen Prize continues to shape the future of digital creativity, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most influential awards in the art and technology sector.
The total 2026 prize pool is $30,000, with ten awards total: Lumen Prize Gold Award ($12,000) and nine category awards ($2,000 each).
Image: MONOTAK
Each year, the Lumen Prize attracts submissions from artists, collectives, and creative studios working across diverse digital mediums, including generative art, interactive installations, motion graphics, and digital sculpture. The competition not only offers substantial prize money but also provides global exposure through exhibitions, networking opportunities, and collaboration prospects. By bridging the gap between technology and artistic expression, the Lumen Prize fosters a dynamic community of digital artists who are redefining contemporary art. The awards are judged by a distinguished panel of industry experts, curators, and thought leaders in digital arts, ensuring that the winning works represent the pinnacle of creative excellence.
Beyond the prize money, the Lumen Prize offers long-term career benefits, including curated opportunities for winners to showcase their work at leading galleries, festivals, and institutions worldwide. With categories covering everything from still image and moving image to immersive experiences and digital poetry, the competition reflects the evolving nature of art in the digital age. By championing technological innovation and artistic talent, the Lumen Prize continues to shape the future of digital creativity, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most influential awards in the art and technology sector.
The total 2026 prize pool is $30,000, with ten awards total: Lumen Prize Gold Award ($12,000) and nine category awards ($2,000 each).
Image: MONOTAK
Featured Photo Contest
AAP Magazine #55/Women
$1,000 cash prizes | Winning image(s) published in AAP Magazine #55 | Extensive press coverage and global recognition
© Jacque Rupp
Best Photography Contests in 2025
Each year, there are hundreds of photography competitions all over the world, so we've decided to select for you the best of the best! Our selection of the best photo contests in 2025 is thoroughly curated to help you, whether you are a professional photographer or an amateur, to help find your next creative breakthrough. These all-star competitions offer the greatest opportunities for international exposure and/or incredible financial benefits. Some of them are closing soon, so get your photo submissions in!
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The prize is endowed with €5,000 to use as the winner sees fit.
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Be Featured in our April 2026 Online Juried Solo Exhibition!
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ENDS 03/29/26
Be seen, be supported, and be part of Head On Photo Festival 2026.
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If you're a passionate amateur or professional photographer, we invite you to share your photographic project with us.
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Entries are open worldwide to photographers using an iPhone or iPad. Photos should not be published previously anywhere. The posts on personal accounts (Facebook, Instagram etc.) are eligible.
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Selected photobooks will be featured in Der Greif’s Articles section, including a dedicated editorial feature highlighting the project, its context, and the maker(s).
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The winner will receive a grant of $14,000 for a solo exhibition
ENDS 04/16/26
The main grant is open to professional photographers worldwide, one $30,000. grant
ENDS 04/16/26
Emerging Photographers (under 30 year old ) 2 X $ 5000 grants.
ENDS 05/07/26
The 2026 Virginia Prize, worth €10,000, will be awarded to its winner in November 2026.
ENDS 05/17/26
MonoVisions Photography Awards are an international open call for photographers using black and white medium to express their visual language.
ENDS 05/31/26
This season will feature five main categories, with ‘Family’ serving as the primary theme.
ENDS 06/15/26
Submit your best photographs now and get your chance to be one of the winners awarded in Siena!
ENDS 06/30/26
The IPA recognizes photography’s leading talents who are creating, shaping and defining the world of photography today.
ENDS 07/22/26
Submit your best work to our photo competition for a chance to win up to $11,500 in cash prizes, be selected by our curators for the PX3 exhibition in Paris and inclusion in the Annual PX3 book.