Student Art and Photography Competition 2026
Celebrate Birmingham. Showcase your creativity.
This is where tomorrow’s brightest minds make brilliant things happen. So, when we were looking for artwork to decorate our meeting rooms in the Green Heart Forum, we didn’t need to go very far…
We’re looking for original photography and 2D artwork that captures what makes Birmingham special to you.
Whether it’s the city’s architecture, culture, people, neighbourhoods, hidden gems, green spaces, or your own personal connection to Birmingham, we want to see your interpretation of Authentically Birmingham.
The creator of the winning work will get a £50 voucher and their art will be put on display in the Conference Spaces in the Green Heart Forum. There’s even a chance that it will be reproduced and sold through the University of Birmingham Gift Shop (terms and conditions apply).
Prizes
First Prize: £50 voucher
Runner-Up Prize(s): £30 voucher
Plus:
- Display of winning and shortlisted work in the Green Heart Forum
- Feature across University of Birmingham Conferences & Events promotional channels
- Potential opportunity for your work to be reproduced and sold through University retail outlets
Open until midnight on Sunday 15 November, entries will be assessed by our fantastic judging panel, led by acclaimed Draw My City artist Stacey Barnfield.
We look forward to seeing which Birmingham achievements, landmarks and distinguishing characteristics inspire the entries. Stay tuned for the winner announcement this December.
Terms and Conditions
Competition Name: Authentically Birmingham Student Art & Photography Competition 2026
Promoter: University of Birmingham Conferences & Events, University of Birmingham.
Competition Period: Entries must be submitted by midnight on Sunday 15 November 2026. Specific opening and closing dates will be published on competition promotional materials.
1. Eligibility
1.1 The competition is open to all currently enrolled University of Birmingham students aged 18 years or over at the time of entry.
1.2 Employees of University of Birmingham Conferences & Events who are directly involved in the administration or judging of the competition are not eligible to enter.
1.3 Entries must be submitted by the creator of the work. Joint entries are not permitted.
2. Theme
2.1 Entries must respond to the theme “Authentically Birmingham”.
2.2 Submissions should celebrate, explore or interpret Birmingham through original photography or 2D artwork.
2.3 The University reserves the right to reject entries that:
- Are deemed offensive, discriminatory, defamatory or inappropriate.
- Infringe the intellectual property rights of any third party.
- Do not relate to the competition theme.
- Do not meet the technical requirements
3. Entry Requirements
- Entry Requirements
3.1 Entrants may submit a maximum of three (3) entries.
3.2 Entries must be original work created by the entrant.
3.3 Eligible formats include:
- Photography
- Drawing
- Painting
- Printmaking
- Mixed media
- Digital illustration
3.4 All entries must be submitted in a digital format as specified on the competition entry form.
3.5 Photographic and artwork files must be of sufficient quality to be reproduced and displayed at a minimum size of A3. The University may request original high-resolution files from shortlisted entrants. We reserve the right to make any minor amendments necessary to scale the artwork to the required size for display.
3.6 Entrants are responsible for ensuring that any identifiable individuals featured in submitted photography have provided appropriate consent.
3.7 AI-generated or AI-enhanced artwork or photography is not permitted.
4. Intellectual Property and Usage Rights
4.1 Entrants retain ownership of the copyright in their work.
4.2 By entering the competition, entrants grant the University of Birmingham a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to:
- Display submitted works as part of the competition exhibition.
- Reproduce the works for promotional, marketing, exhibition and publicity purposes relating to the competition and University activities.
- Use images of the works in print, digital and social media channels, with appropriate credit where reasonably practicable.
4.3 The University may choose to sell reproductions of selected works in University retail outlets.
4.4 Commercial Reproduction and Retail Sale
Where an entrant’s work is selected for retail sale, the entrant grants the University of Birmingham a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to reproduce, print, manufacture and sell copies of the work through University-operated retail outlets, including the University gift shop, and through University-owned online sales channels. This licence includes the right to use the work on products, merchandise, prints, postcards and other retail items. The entrant will be credited as the creator of the work where reasonably practicable but won’t receive any compensation or payment. The University reserves the right to determine whether a work is suitable for retail sale and the format in which it is reproduced. This includes the right to make any minor amendments necessary to reproduce for commercial activity.
5. Judging
5.1 Entries will be judged by a panel appointed by University of Birmingham Conferences & Events.
5.2 The judging panel will include representatives from the University and external creative professionals.
5.3 Entries will be assessed against:
- Creativity and originality
- Relevance to the “Authentically Birmingham” theme
- Visual impact
- Technical quality
- Suitability for public display
5.4 The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence regarding the outcome will be entered into.
6. Prizes
6.1 The following prizes will be awarded:
- First Prize: £50 voucher
- Runner-Up Prize(s): £30 voucher each
6.2 The number of runner-up prizes will be determined by the judging panel.
6.3 Prizes are non-transferable and no cash alternative will be offered.
6.4 The University reserves the right to substitute prizes with alternatives of equal value if circumstances beyond its control make this necessary.
7. Exhibition
7.1 Winning and selected shortlisted works may be displayed on the third floor of the Green Heart Forum.
7.2 Display dates and duration will be determined by University of Birmingham Conferences & Events.
7.3 The University reserves the right to determine which works are displayed and how they are presented.
8. Publicity
8.1 Winners and shortlisted entrants may be asked to participate in publicity and promotional activity relating to the competition.
8.2 By entering, participants agree that their name, course and year of study may be published in connection with the competition results and exhibition.
9. Data Protection
9.1 Personal data submitted as part of the competition will be processed by the University of Birmingham solely for the purpose of administering the competition, awarding prizes and promoting the exhibition.
9.2 Personal information will be handled in accordance with the University’s Privacy Notice and applicable UK data protection legislation.
10. General
10.1 The University reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions or to cancel, modify or suspend the competition where necessary due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control.
10.2 Any entrant found to have breached these Terms and Conditions may be disqualified.
10.3 Entry into the competition constitutes acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
10.4 These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by the laws of England and Wales.