Overview
The Graduate Students’ Association (GSA), in collaboration with the Campus & Community Recreation (CCR) and the Student Success & Experience, is hosting a Photo and Digital Art Contest focused on mental health and well-being.
This initiative provides graduate students with an opportunity to express their experiences, perspectives, and reflections through creative work, while contributing to broader conversations around mental health on campus.
Eligibility
- Open to all currently registered University of Alberta graduate students (full-time and part-time)
- GSA Directly Elected Officers may submit entries but are not eligible for prizes
- Graduate students involved with the GSA in other capacities remain eligible for awards
Submission Requirement
Participants may submit:
- Photography
- Digital art
- Mixed media (combination of formats)
Each submission must include:
- A title
- A short written description (maximum 250 words) explaining the work
Submissions must be in digital format and follow any technical requirements outlined in the submission form.
Theme and Content
Submissions must relate to mental health and well-being.
Participants are encouraged to interpret the theme broadly. Submissions may explore (but are not limited to):
- Sports and Recreation
- Personal mental health experiences
- Self-care and coping strategies
- Community, relationships, and support systems
- Cultural identity, belonging, and transition
- Nature and environmental influences on well-being
- Academic pressures and student life
- Growth, resilience, and aspirations
All submissions must be respectful of diverse experiences and perspectives.
Timeline
- Call for Submissions: March 20 – April 3, 2026
- Adjudication Period: April 6 – April 15, 2026
- Exhibition Launch: April 15, 2026
Late submissions will not be considered.
Adjudication Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on the following:
- Creative Expression – originality and uniqueness of the work
- Does the submission offer a fresh/unique perspective on mental health & wellbeing?
- Is the submission creative in its expression/format/style?(not including technical details or professional expertise on the medium used)
- Relevance – connection to mental health and broader applicability to the community
- Does the submission convey or relate to different themes or dimensions of mental health & wellbeing?
- Can the campus community relate to the message, and is it accessible to the wider community?
- Is the submission respectful of other people’s feelings/perspectives on mental health & wellbeing?
- Emotional Impact – ability to evoke reflection or emotional connection
- Does the submission evoke affective feelings on mental health & wellbeing?
- Does the submission invite the viewer to connect on an emotional/psychological level?
- Clarity of Message – effectiveness in communicating the intended meaning
- Does the submission offer a clear message?
- How well do the submission and the title or description collectively help convey the artist’s message to the viewer?
Evaluation will focus on message and impact, not technical or professional skill level.
Awards and Recognition
- A total of 12 awards ($100 each) will be distributed:
- 3 awards for Indigenous graduate students
- 9 awards for other graduate students
Winning and selected entries will be:
- Featured on GSA platforms (website and social media)
- Included in an online exhibition
- Considered for a printed showcase
Consent and Attribution
- Participants may choose to have their work credited or remain anonymous
- By submitting, participants consent to their work being used for GSA communications and promotional purposes related to this initiative
Withdrawal
Participants may withdraw their submission before the adjudication period begins.
Important Considerations
- Submissions must not include content that is harmful, discriminatory, or disrespectful
- The adjudication committee reserves the right to exclude submissions that do not meet the guidelines
- Mental health is subjective; all submissions should be approached with care and sensitivity
Contact
For questions regarding submissions or eligibility, please contact: gsarspc@ualberta.ca
