Embracing Our Differences 2026

Embracing Our Differences 2026 is now open for entries!

Embracing Our Differences 2026 : Embracing Our Differences, juried annual international art exhibition and competition, has been recently announce for entries in its 2026 edition inviting all artists to submit their interpretation of the theme “embracing our differences”.

➜ Short description

Embracing Our Differences is an annual art exhibition and competition, recently announced for entries in its 2026 edition inviting all artists, photographers, professionals, amateurs, teachers and students to submit their interpretation of the theme “embracing our differences.”

Artists possess a powerful tool to evoke social change. Without uttering a single word, they can enlighten, educate and effect change around the world. Embracing Our Differences invites you to participate in creating a society where diversity is embraced and individuality is celebrated. The mission of Embracing Our Differences is to use the arts as a catalyst for creating awareness and promoting, throughout their communities, the value of diversity, the benefits of inclusion and the significance of the active rejection of hatred and prejudice.

Final selections for inclusion in the exhibit will be made by a three-judge panel of professional artists, curators and art professionals based on artistic excellence and originality in reflection of the theme.

Judges will also consider:

➜ How effective the art will read when enlarged to billboard size (16 feet (4.9 m) wide by 12.5 feet (3.8 m) high) and displayed outdoors.
➜ Is the theme clear and easily understood?
➜ Does the art explore the theme in an unusual or previously unexplored manner?
➜ Will the art and its message prompt discussion?

Become a part of this change by submitting your original art to Embracing Our Differences and its annual international outdoor juried art exhibit featuring 50 billboard-size images measuring 16 feet (5m) wide by 12.5 feet (4m) high.

The winning artworks combine a deep understanding of both medium and message.

Embracing Our Differences every year features billboard-size images and this year exhibit will be on display mid-January through April at multiple locations along Florida's Cultural Coast Southwest Florida.

➜ Submission requirements:

➜ Your art must be HORIZONTAL in orientation which means that it must be wider than it is tall.
➜ Your art should measure or fit an aspect ratio of 12.8” (325.12 mm) wide by 8.8” (223.52 mm) high.
➜ Your digital file MUST be a high resolution image of no less than 300 dpi (the higher the better) digital file (JPG, JPEG, PDF or PNG).
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➜ Your digital file must be less than 400MB in size.
➜ Include a brief (150 word maximum) “Artist Statement” explaining your art, your creative process and/or what the theme means to you.
➜ Please label your digital art file with the “title” (5 word maximum) and your name - for example, "ArtworkTitle-ArtistName".
➜ Please do NOT include the words "Embracing Our Differences" in your artwork or artwork title.
➜ AI generated artwork is NOT accepted.

➜ Who may enter?

Artists, photographers, professionals, amateurs, students are all invited to participate in this competition. National and international submissions are encouraged.

➜ Prize:

A total of $6,000 will be presented in the form of three separate awards – $2,000 each for “Best-in-Show Adult”, “Best-in-Show Student” and “People’s Choice”. The “People’s Choice” award will be determined by visitors to the exhibit.