Photography Contest

The Lumen Prize 2026

The Lumen Prize 2026

Deadline |

05/26/26

Theme |

Digital innovation, spanning technology and creativity

Territory |

Worldwide

Eligibility |

Open to all 18+

Entry Fees |

Between $30 and $40

Prizes |

Cash Prize
The 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

Featured Photo Contest

AAP Magazine #56 / SHADOWS

$1,000 cash prizes | Winning image(s) published in AAP Magazine #56 | Website feature and International Press

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!

ENDS 03/29/26
Be seen, be supported, and be part of Head On Photo Festival 2026.
ENDS 03/31/26
If you're a passionate amateur or professional photographer, we invite you to share your photographic project with us.
ENDS 03/31/26
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.
ENDS 03/31/26
Our 56th printed issue of AAP Magazine will feature the best projects showcasing the theme "Shadows".
ENDS 03/31/26
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).
ENDS 04/01/26
Creative Photo Awards is a project of Siena Awards, dedicated to rewarding originality, experimentation, and imagination by encouraging the creative use of the medium of photography in all its forms, including abstract and conceptual ideas.
ENDS 04/02/26
Guest Room aims to spark collaboration.
ENDS 04/02/26
$10,000 project development grant for up to eight participants. Funds may be used in whatever way fellows see fit in order to expand and complete projects
ENDS 04/05/26
Exhibition Dates: May 23 – June 13, 2026
ENDS 04/07/26
Three separate grants of $5,000 each will be awarded to deserving photographers!
ENDS 04/12/26
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 04/21/26
Be Featured in our April 2026 Online Juried Solo Exhibition!
ENDS 04/30/26
The IPA recognizes photography’s leading talents who are creating, shaping and defining the world of photography today.
ENDS 05/04/26
For the tenth year running, the Société des Auteurs des Arts Visuels et de l’Image Fixe (SAIF) is funding the €8,000 prize to encourage the work of a photojournalist committed to long-term projects.
ENDS 05/07/26
The 2026 Virginia Prize, worth €10,000, will be awarded to its winner in November 2026.
ENDS 05/13/26
This prize, with a production budget of €25,000, is open to any new photographer or artist using photography, submitting a previously unpublished dummy book.
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 06/01/26
The Lenscratch Student Prize has opened up a whole new line of connections, opportunities and exposure.
ENDS 06/03/26
BUDAPEST INTERNATIONAL FOTO AWARDS is an international platform for photographers from all levels and genres to share their best images with the creative community in Hungary and Eastern Europe.
ENDS 06/15/26
Submit your best photographs now and get your chance to be one of the winners awarded in Siena!
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.