Now returning for its 2nd edition in 2026, the All-Atlantic photo competition: A Celebration of Culture and Communities invites participants to explore and capture the cultural richness of Atlantic communities. The competition celebrates traditions and ways of life shaped by the ocean, from music, dance, and craftsmanship to fishing practices and everyday social life.
Submissions should highlight traditional lifestyles, Indigenous knowledge, and the artistic, culinary, or cultural expressions that reflect the identity and resilience of communities living along the Atlantic shores.
Who can participate:
The contest is open to photography enthusiasts of all skill levels, from professionals to amateurs, living or working in regions bordering the Atlantic Ocean, from pole to pole and coast to coast.
Photo Categories:
- Traditions Alive: Capturing traditional dances, festivals, and cultural rituals that bring Atlantic communities together.
- Coastal Communities and Family Ties: Highlighting the unique ways communities and families interact with and depend on the ocean, from shared traditions to everyday life by the sea. fishing, boat building, or other ocean-based livelihoods.
- Artistic Expressions: Celebrating the creative spirit through art, music, and craftsmanship inspired by Atlantic cultures.
- Tastes of the Atlantic: Exploring the rich culinary traditions and family recipes influenced by the ocean.
Winner benefits:
- Category Winners – For each of the four categories, a first, second, and third prize will be awarded. These 12 winning photos will be exhibited at the All-Atlantic Forum 2026, showcased online, and featured in a digital photo book.
- Honourable Mentions – 10 additional photographs will receive honourable mentions for their outstanding contribution. These images will be showcased online and included in the digital photo book.
Dates
The competition was open from 6 February till 8 March 2026. The competition is now CLOSED.
Submission Guidelines
Please fill out the application form, save the completed form as a PDF, and send it along with your photo to tania.chen@aircentre.org.
- Participants may submit one photo per category but cannot submit multiple entries for the same category or use multiple pseudonyms.
- Submitted photos can be in colour or black and white.
- Original photos must be of high quality, suitable for printing if selected. Upon submission, please submit the original photo (via https://wetransfer.com/) and a lower quality version (not exceed 20MB)
- Original photos should be submitted in JPG or PNG format, with a minimum resolution of 3750 pixels on the longest side.
- Photos must be original and taken within the past three years.
- Entries must include a brief caption (maximum 750 characters) describing the photo, its context, and its cultural significance in English (mandatory). You may also submit the same text in one additional language (optional).
- Images must adhere to ethical guidelines, respecting the privacy and dignity of individuals.
- Photos generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) are strictly prohibited.
- Participants must not include any signatures, watermarks, or identifying marks on their photos to maintain anonymity.
Evaluation:
A panel of 3 to 5 judges (geographical and gender balance) will evaluate entries based on originality, cultural representation, and visual impact.
Evaluation Criteria:
The photos will be evaluated by a panel of three jury members based on the following criteria and weight. Scores should be based on a 1–10 scale:
Relevance to the Theme (25%) Does the photo clearly align with the category’s theme? Does it effectively convey the cultural richness and diversity of the Atlantic?
Storytelling (25%) Does the image tell a compelling story about the culture, tradition, or people it represents? Is the accompanying caption engaging and informative?
Creativity and Originality (20%) Does the photo present a unique perspective or approach? How innovative is the framing or representation of the subject?
Visual Impact (15%) Does the photo captivate the viewer’s attention? Is there a strong composition, color balance, and aesthetic quality?
Technical Quality (10%) Is the photo sharp, clear, and well-lit? Does it demonstrate a good understanding of photographic techniques?
Additional Merit (5%): Point for qualities outside the predefined criteria.
We’re looking forward to seeing all your photos!
