PhotoSpiva 2024

PhotoSpiva is a national photography competition hosted annually by Spiva Center for the Arts in Joplin, Missouri. Founded in 1977, it is the longest-running photographic competition of its kind in the U.S. The competition presents an exhibition celebrating contemporary photography, with work selected through jury review. The 2024 exhibition will be displayed from March 16 to May 4, 2024, at the Harry M. Cornell Arts and Entertainment Complex. Richard Tuschman serves as this year's juror. The competition will be accompanied by PhotoSpiva Kids, Spiva in Bloom, and the 1000 Words Poetry Event.

Photographers must submit 5 to 20 JPEG images in RGB color mode, sized with either width or height at approximately 1600 pixels while maintaining aspect ratio. The entry fee is $40 for five images, with each additional image costing $10. All images must be entered in a single application. If selected for exhibition, work must be printed, mounted on rigid backing, and matted. No framed work will be accepted. Metal printing is the only exception to the mounting requirement.

PhotoSpiva is open to amateur and professional photographers in the United States and its territories. Submitted images must be the photographer's original work. 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. 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 2024. Contact Shaun Conroy at [email protected] with questions.