About the Show

The Allegany National Photography Competition & Exhibition is one of the Allegany Arts Council's signature events, now entering its eleventh 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 raised the profile of a small Appalachian community and brought with it members from across the country, who support terrific art programs regardless of where they live.

The competition has always featured three categories, black and white (monochrome), color, and a third which has continued to evolve. In 2024, we introduced Photography as a 3-D Art Form and are excited to see what creative photographers do with additional dimension.

In 2024, for our 10th anniversary, we published a commemorative book featuring photos from our ten year history, recollections of our esteemed jurors, and information about our dedicated volunteers, copies of which remain available.

In 2025, the contest will offer $6,500 in cash prizes to winning photographers and the exhibition will take place at the Stephanie Ann Roper Gallery, located on the campus of Frostburg State University. In 2024, the Arts Council purchased a new home, which is currently under renovation.

Also in 2025, we will offer $6500 in cash prizes to winning photographers from across the nation.

The 11th Annual exhibition will run from March 29-April 19, 2024

The Call

The call for entry is now closed.

Prizes

The 2025 program will offer the following prizes to winning photographers:

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 a 3-D Art Form:
First Place: $1000

People’s Choice:
$500