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

All About Photo Awards 2026

$5,000 cash prizes, a prestigious jury panel, extensive press coverage and global recognition

Best Photography Contests in 2024

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 2024 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 01/11/26
Wherever you are in the world, we invite you to send us your most beautiful Colors or Black & White street photos.
ENDS 01/11/26
Make history with us – be part of the very first Head On Photo Festival Perth.
ENDS 01/12/26
The Prize intends to recognise one overall winner who will receive a €10,000 cash prize, and two runners-up who will each receive €2,500
ENDS 01/13/26
Rewarding the best photo series worldwide! Enter for free and you could win $25,000, a range of Sony digital imaging equipment plus more!
ENDS 01/13/26
First place receives Sony Digital Imaging equipment and inclusion in the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition and book
ENDS 01/17/26
The annual photo contest rewards photographers for the best single exposure pictures contributing to the past year of visual journalism.
ENDS 01/20/26
Be Featured in our January 2026 Online Juried Solo Exhibition! Juror: Harvey Stein
ENDS 01/27/26
Our 11th edition of the All About Photo Awards invites photographers from around the world to submit their best work for consideration. Winners will receive $5,000 in cash awards, extensive press coverage and global recognition.
ENDS 01/31/26
If you're a passionate amateur or professional photographer, we invite you to share your photographic project with us.
ENDS 02/09/26
The Center for Photographic Art (CPA) is excited to announce the 2026 Members’ Juried Exhibition! This year, we are offering $2,400 in awards and prizes.
ENDS 02/15/26
Art is born out of passion. Fine Art photography is a perfect instrument, which allows a person to communicate with the world and share their vision. It results from the author's deep sensitivity, a need to express feelings through image.
ENDS 02/28/26
Win a Hasselblad X2D II 100C, two XCD lenses of choice, €5,000 and the coveted Hasselblad Masters title.
ENDS 03/01/26
Full Tuition, a Leica camera system on loan for the academic year and an opportunity to present their work at the Leica Store in New York City’s Meatpacking District.
ENDS 03/02/26
The biennial Belfast Photo Festival provided the perfect platform for gaining exposure to an international audience, with previous editions having welcome over 100,000 visitors from all over the world
ENDS 03/04/26
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 03/15/26
‘On the Block’ celebrates the unposed, unfiltered, and fleeting moments that define the art of documenting everyday life, whether in dense urban streets or sleepy rural towns.
ENDS 03/21/26
The FORMAT Portfolio Review is returning in 2026. It will take place online on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 March.
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 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 05/07/26
The 2026 Virginia Prize, worth €10,000, will be awarded to its winner in November 2026.
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 06/30/26
The IPA recognizes photography’s leading talents who are creating, shaping and defining the world of photography today.
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.