New York Art Competitions invites you to participate in Identity in the Modern World, an open call exploring the ever-changing concept of identity in today's global and digital age.
Participate for a chance to showcase your art in a prestigious New York City exhibition and share your perspective on what identity means in a world where personal, cultural, and digital boundaries blur.
The Identity in the Modern World Art Competition is now closed. Selected artists have been announced — see the full results below.
View Selected Artists →
Awards and Benefits of Participating
10 Feet of Linear Wall Space
One (1) artist will display 10 feet of their work at an AGI Fine Art group exhibition in New York City.
6 Feet of Linear Wall Space
Two (2) artists will each showcase 6 feet of their work in the same AGI Fine Art group exhibition in New York City.
Digital Presentation
Five (5) artists will feature their work digitally in the monitor at the AGI Fine Art exhibition, reaching a global audience.
Honorable Mentions
Ten (10) artists will receive certificates recognizing their outstanding work and gain social media promotion.
Competition Guidelines
Eligibility
The Identity in the Modern World competition was open to all artists aged 18 and above.
AI use is prohibited at any stage of the creative process of the submitted work — including AI-generated imagery, using AI for feedback or critique, asking AI for composition or conceptual advice, and using AI to analyze or view the work. Eligibility is assessed work by work; past use of AI on other projects does not automatically disqualify an artist or a series.
Application
Participation required an application fee of $25, which covered up to 3 artworks.
Entry Material
Enter up to 3 artworks reflecting the theme Identity in the Modern World. Artwork must explore how identity is defined, changed, or expressed in today's digital age. All submissions must be in high-quality JPEG or PNG format.
Accepted Mediums
Painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, digital media, printmaking, and mixed media. Video art, film, performance art, jewelry, crafts, and AI-generated art are not eligible.
Additional Entry
If you want to add more images to your entry, you may do so for $5 per image.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the theme or focus of the competition?
Our main theme is Identity in the Modern World. This competition invites artists to explore what “identity” means when boundaries between physical and virtual, local and global, blur — across personal, cultural, digital, collective, and fluid dimensions.
If selected, can I get all the awards or just one?
You are only entitled to one award if selected. For instance, if you are chosen for the digital display, you will not be eligible for social media exposure or honorable mentions.
Can I submit AI-generated artwork?
No, all artworks must be original and created by the artist. AI-generated artworks will be disqualified.
Does the no-AI rule apply only to AI-generated images, or does it include using AI for advice and feedback?
The policy covers any AI use at any stage of the creative process, including feedback, critique, composition advice, or creative ideas — even if no AI-generated imagery appears in the final work. Showing a completed artwork to an AI for comments is also considered AI use.
Can I enter if I've used AI tools on other projects in the past?
Yes. Eligibility is based on the specific work submitted. If that work was created entirely without AI, it is eligible.
If I used AI on an earlier series, does that disqualify my whole body of work?
No. Eligibility is assessed work by work.
What if past AI feedback has indirectly influenced how I work?
Residual influence from past experiences does not make future independently created work ineligible.
Is there an age limit to participate?
All applicants must be at least 18 years old to participate.
How many artworks can be submitted per entry?
Each entry allows an artist to submit up to three (3) artworks. Additional images can be added for $5 per image.
Such a wonderful experience from beginning to end! I was incredibly honored to be included in the 40th Chelsea International Fine Art Competition exhibition. The communication throughout the entire process was exceptional, and the exhibition itself was beautifully curated. The opening reception was such a special evening, and everyone at the gallery made the artists feel genuinely welcomed and celebrated. So grateful to have been a part of it!
Alicia Staley Johnson
United States · 40th CIFAC Selected Artist
It was an honor to be selected as one of the artists for the Metropolitan Melodies exhibition. The competition's theme inspired me to explore and celebrate the beauty of the cities I've visited and lived in. New York Art Competitions provides an excellent platform for artists worldwide to share their work with a broader audience. I'm grateful for this opportunity to connect with fellow creatives and art enthusiasts.
Rachel Halili Aquino
Metropolitan Melodies Open Competition Selected Artist
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See the Selected Artists
Explore the 18 works selected across all award tiers from Identity in the Modern World.
View selected artists →