Order & Chaos
2025 - 2026
International Art Competition
Deadline: December 15, 2025
Eligibility
Open to all artists, world-wide.
All mediums and styles are acceptable.
(2-d and 3-d media, currently not accepting video submissions, work must be documented and submitted in jpg/jpeg form).
Submitted work must relate to the theme “Order & Chaos”. The way in which your work relates to these concepts is open for interpretation. See below for a full explanation of the theme.
The Deadline for submissions is December 15, 2025.
EARLY ENTRY: November 28, 2025
Early entry is recommended; all applications received before November 28, 2025 will be automatically shortlisted as finalists, be exhibited in the online exhibition, and move on to the final round of jurying to be considered for awards. (Early entry submissions that do not pertain to the theme or do not adequately follow the submission guidelines may be excluded from exhibition). Select finalists will receive the opportunity for an interview and solo feature on Art-Collide.com.
Awards
For those who win awards, the award money will be entirely at your discretion to utilize as you wish. The prizes to be awarded will be determined based on the number of art pieces submitted and the overall quality of the artwork submitted. Finalists and all award winners will have their work exhibited in the online gallery at www.art-collide.com.
First Prize Award | $300-$1,000
Runner-Up Prize Award | $75-$300
Merit Prize Award | $35-$75
Honorable Mention Award
Finalist Award
FREE ENTRY
Free to submit. Only those accepted as finalists must pay the $35 finalist fee. Finalists will have their work exhibited in the online gallery on Art-Collide.com and will move on to the final round of jurying in consideration for cash prizes and other awards.
HOW TO APPLY:
Email us the following information at: contact.artcollide@gmail.com
Your first and last name
Images of your work (up to 10 images)
Info for each work: Title, medium, dimensions, date created, price (if for sale)
artist statement and bio (optional)
(Jpg/jpeg only. No PDFs, zip files, or google drives are acceptable.)
THEME:
Theme Explanation:
The "Order & Chaos" Art Competition invites artists to explore the intricate and ever-shifting relationship between two fundamental forces that shape our existence – order and chaos. This theme encourages participants to delve into the dichotomy, tension, and harmonious coexistence of these elements in both the natural and human-made worlds.
The theme of "Order & Chaos" seeks to inspire artists to convey a myriad of interpretations and creative expressions. Here is a deeper exploration of the theme:
Balance and Harmony: Artists are encouraged to examine how order and chaos can coexist in a state of equilibrium, creating harmony in the midst of apparent discord. They may explore the symmetry and patterns that emerge from chaos or the unpredictable elements that disrupt order.
Natural World: Nature serves as an abundant source for illustrating the interplay of order and chaos. Artists can depict the delicate balance in ecosystems, the forces of nature, or the transformative power of natural disasters.
Human Society: The theme can be applied to the structured systems of human society. Artists can explore how laws, regulations, and societal norms provide order, while revolutions, cultural shifts, and societal upheavals represent chaotic forces that reshape the world.
Emotions: "Order & Chaos" extends to the emotional realm. Artists may choose to explore the inner turmoil of the human psyche, the juxtaposition of calm and unrest, or the emotional intensity that arises from the contrast between order and chaos.
Technological and Scientific Perspectives: The theme can also be approached from a scientific and technological standpoint, with artists exploring the ordered principles of scientific laws and the chaotic energy of innovation and experimentation.
Artistic Expression: In the realm of art, artists can use the theme to experiment with both structured and abstract representations, combining precision with spontaneity to convey the dynamic relationship between order and chaos.
Inner and Outer Worlds: "Order & Chaos" can also be examined through the lens of introspection, contemplating the inner workings of the mind and the external world's intricacies.
This competition challenges artists to explore the boundaries of order and chaos, the transitions between them, and the transformative power they wield in our lives. Whether through painting, sculpture, digital art, mixed media, or any other form of creative expression, artists are invited to communicate the profound impact and captivating interplay of these two fundamental forces. "Order & Chaos" is a theme that celebrates the duality of existence and encourages artists to reflect on the beauty, tension, and extraordinary artistry that emerges from the perpetual dance between these contrasting elements.
Timeline
NOW | Art Competition Open for Entries
28 November 2025 | Early Entry Deadline
15 December 2025 | FINAL DEADLINE for entries
17 December 2025 | Finalist Notification Starts
December 30, 2025 | Finalist Fees Due
January 10, 2026 | Cash Prize Notification Starts
January 10, 2026 | Exhibition of Winning Artworks Starts
January 11, 2026 | Cash Prize Distribution Starts***
*** All cash prizes are given out via PayPal. In order to be eligible for a monetary award, you must have a PayPal account.
0% COMMISSION ON WORKS SOLD!
If your work sells, you keep 100% of the purchase price.
Terms and Conditions
Welcome to our Arts Competition! Before you participate, please carefully read and understand the following terms and conditions governing your entry into the competition. By submitting your entry, you acknowledge and agree to abide by these terms and conditions:
Eligibility:
The Arts Competition is open to all artists worldwide above the age of 18.
Employees, affiliates, and immediate family members of the organizing committee or sponsors are not eligible to participate.
Previous award winners may reapply but are not eligible to win the same award twice in a row. For instance, if a participant wins first place in competition #1, they may not win first place in competition #2, but may still compete for all other awards in competition #2. By competition #3, the participant is again eligible for all awards (assuming no awards were won in the prior competition (#2)).
Entry Guidelines:
Each participant can submit only one entry, including 3-10 images of their work.
The submitted artwork must be original and created solely by the participant.
Entries must not contain any explicit or offensive content.
Entry Submission:
Participants must submit their entries through the email provided by the organizers.
The submission deadline will be clearly listed, and late entries will not be accepted.
Ownership and Usage Rights:
Participants retain the copyright and all other intellectual property rights to their artwork.
By entering the competition, participants grant the organizers a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, publish, and display the submitted artwork for promotional and marketing purposes related to the competition, online exhibition, and future competitions/exhibitions only.
Judging Criteria:
Artworks will be judged based on originality, creativity, artistic skill, and adherence to the theme (if applicable).
The decisions of the judging panel are final and binding in all matters related to the competition.
The organizers retain the right to reject any entry for any reason.
Prizes:
The prizes for the Arts Competition will be clearly stated on the competition website or promotional materials.
Prizes are non-transferable, non-exchangeable, and cannot be redeemed for cash or other forms of compensation.
Prize amounts to be awarded are to be made at the discretion of the organization. The minimum award amounts in each category as listed on the website will be guaranteed to be awarded, except in the event that the competition is canceled.
Prizes are typically paid in 3-4 weeks (PayPal may take a small processing fee from the overall amount).
Notification of Winners:
Winners will be notified through the contact information provided during the submission process.
If a winner does not respond within a period of a week, the organizers reserve the right to disqualify the winner and select an alternate winner. Award amounts that are unclaimed by the chosen winner within a period of a week may be retained by the organization or instead awarded to an alternative participant, selected at the sole discretion of the organization.
Publicity and Promotion:
Participants agree to cooperate with the organizers and consent to the use of their names, and artworks for promotional purposes without additional compensation.
Disqualification:
The organizers reserve the right to disqualify any participant who violates these terms and conditions or attempts to manipulate the competition process.
Liability:
Participants assume full responsibility for their entries and any consequences resulting from their participation in the competition.
The organizers will not be liable for any loss, damage, or injury incurred by participants while participating in the competition.
Modification or Cancellation:
The organizers reserve the right to modify, extend, or cancel the competition if unforeseen circumstances arise or for any reason deemed relevant by the organizers.
Governing Law:
These terms and conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States (North Carolina).
Contact:
For any inquiries or clarifications regarding the Arts Competition or these terms and conditions, please contact us via email via our contact page on our website.
By participating in this event/competition/opportunity, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms and conditions. Your compliance with these rules ensures a fair and enjoyable experience for all participants. Good luck with your entry!