The Candace Freeland Photography of Merit Award honors the legacy of photographer Candace Freeland, who gave the founding gift for this heartfelt outreach to youth and young adults.

2026 Guidelines
U.S. photographers aged 8-22 are invited to submit black-and-white and color photos captured on a smartphone, based on the theme Food and Family. There is no fee to enter. All finalists will be required to provide proof of age and eligibility, i.e. a photo ID, driver's license, birth certificate, etc.

Distinguished jurors select a Grand Prize Winner and Runner-Up for each category. There will also be a People’s Choice Award that will be voted on by the public. Cash prizes awarded to winners in different categories. All participants are invited to attend a reception announcing the winners at The Mitford Museum on October 9, 2026.
Rules, regulations, and prize information can be found on website.

Location: United States
Website: https://themitfordmuseum.org/meritawards/
Deadline: 09/01/26

Calling all writers to submit to Moonlight and Mawazo: A science fiction and fantasy short story contest lighting a path for diverse authors and characters to create universes of imagination.
RULES & ELIGIBILITY
This competition welcomes submissions from writers of all races, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, etc. We want and value diverse voices. With that said, we will be keeping a special eye out for stories that feature often unseen, unheard characters both on the pages and at the pen (keyboard) who can fully embrace the spirit of “Moonlight and Mawazo”.

1. All participants must be 18 years of age or older.
2. All submissions must be in English.
3. Contest entries are accepted from anywhere in the world.
4. Submissions must be original science fiction or fantasy. No fanfiction will be accepted. No submissions featuring explicit sex or violence will be accepted. No poetry will be accepted. This work must never have been published in any format. AI IS NOT PERMITTED .
5. All submitted material must be owned by and submitted by the writer.
6. Co-authors are accepted, but only 1 prize will be awarded.

Deadline: 08/31/26
Location: Contest entries are accepted from anywhere in the world.
Website: https://www.moonlightandmawazo.com/

Texas Arts & Music Festival committed to showcasing and supporting local artists. Once again, the festival’s opening reception will feature our Annual Juried Art Show. Texas-based artists of all experience levels are encouraged to apply for the art show.
A panel of professional, impartial artists, including this year’s featured muralists will evaluate each piece before the reception.
Awards:
First Place - $300
Second Place - $150
Third Place - $75
During the show, participating local artists may offer their work for sale.
Dates to Remember:
Applications Open: Now
Application Deadline: September 1
Artist Notifications: September 11
Artwork Exhibition: October 1- 31

Artist Reception: October 16
All artwork must be suitable for public viewing by audiences of all ages. Explicit, violent, or otherwise offensive subject matter will not be accepted. See all restrictions and guidelines at https://www.texasartsandmusicfestival.com/art-show/

Deadline: 09/01/26
Location: Brenham Heritage Museum
Website: https://www.texasartsandmusicfestival.com/