“Are You Really Winning?” Public Art Competition for Problem Gambling Awareness

The "Are You Really Winning?" Problem Gambling Awareness Art Competition, now in its fourth year, invites Illinois residents ages 14 and up to create artwork that shines light on the journey from darkness to hope for those struggling with a gambling addiction. Artists are invited to submit original works that give voice to those affected and inspire hope for recovery, with entries judged on how the artwork captures the journey from darkness and despair to hope and recovery.

The competition accepts all forms of visual media (video, photography, sculpture, painting) as well as literary and performance submissions (spoken word, poetry, songs, short videos or film, and essays). A professional jury will review all submissions based on compelling expression of subject matter pertaining to problem gambling, originality and creative use of material/technique, and written statements about how the artwork addresses problem gambling. Stipends of $2,000, $1,000, and $500 will be awarded to selected emerging and/or established artists, with Visa gift cards of $100 awarded to up to five artists in the student category.

Entry is free with a submission deadline of March 31, 2026 at midnight CST. Selected artwork will be unveiled at the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling conference in Spring 2026 and featured in several public exhibits throughout the state. All work must be original, and if selected, the organization will own the rights to the artwork for use in the traveling exhibition and promotional materials.