About the Show

The Allegany National Photography Competition & Exhibition is one of the Allegany Arts Council's signature events, now entering its ninth year. Established in 2015, it began as a way to showcase photography talent in the region, but quickly grew into a nationally-recognized competition, and since has invited photographers from across the country, as well as an illustrious group of jurors, to take part.

Through its lifespan, the competition has drawn photographers from nearly every state, and has served as a model for other organizations seeking to develop programs of their own. It has also brought a new crop of members into the Allegany Arts Council and encouraged artists to support terrific art programs around the nation, regardless of where they reside.

The competition has always featured three categories, black and white (monochrome), color, and a third category which has continued to evolve. That category, Photography as Sculpture, is intended to seek the adventurous photographer looking to expand the traditional definitions of photography in new directions.

The show offers a diverse and wide-ranging look at the world of photography, exploring ever-changing themes found in nature, society, politics, and people.

The 9th Annual exhibition will run from April 1-22, 2023.  

The Call

The call for entries closed on Friday, February 10, 2023, and received 848 entries from photographers across the nation.

Prizes

The 2023 program sees an increase in prizes awarded in several categories:

Best in Show:
$1500

Color:
First Place: $1000
Second Place: $500
Third Place: $250

Monochrome:
First Place: $1000
Second Place: $500
Third Place: $250

Photography as Sculpture:
First Place: $1000

People’s Choice:
$500