PhotoSpiva 2023

PhotoSpiva is a national photography competition hosted annually by Spiva Center for the Arts in Joplin, Missouri. Founded in 1977, PhotoSpiva is the longest-running photographic competition of its kind in the U.S., with the objective to "present an exhibition of excellence in photography, celebrating the scope and vigorous activity of today's contemporary photographers." Selected work will be displayed from March 18 to May 13, 2023, at the new Spiva galleries in the Harry M. Cornell Arts and Entertainment Complex. Jurors are carefully selected from the nation's most merited photographers and curators; the 2023 juror is renowned photographer Jennifer Thoreson.

Entry Requirements: Submit 5 to 20 JPEG images in RGB color mode, sized with either width or height at approximately 1600 pixels while maintaining aspect ratio. There is no theme. Two-dimensional work derived from any photographic process—traditional, digital, or photo-based mixed media—is eligible, provided it is original and has never been exhibited at George A. Spiva Center for the Arts. Three-dimensional work is not eligible. If selected for exhibition, all work must be printed, mounted on rigid backing, and matted (printing on metal is an exception). No work should be framed.

Fees and Awards: Entry fee is $40 for five photos; each additional image costs $10. Awards include 1st Place ($1,000), 2nd Place ($750), 3rd Place ($500), three Merit Awards ($150 each), and three Honorable Mentions ($100 each). All entrants will be notified of acceptance or declination via email during the first week of February 2023. PhotoSpiva is open to any amateur or professional photographer in the United States or its territories. Submitted images must be the photographer's own work, and photographers are solely responsible for obtaining written releases from any recognizable persons depicted.