Education disrupted? You can still tell your story in photos for a chance to win.
For the first time ever, a global pandemic’s disruption of study abroad leads to the chance for any BYU student to submit and win in the next Kennedy Center Photo Competition. Unlike past years where students would need to be one of the estimated 1,500 BYU students participating in an official International Study Program—study abroad, international internship, field school, or direct enrollment—this year is different.
Over the past fifteen years, the Kennedy Center Photo Contest has received thousands of submissions revealing what learning abroad looks like. Winning images capture portraits, scenes, landscapes, or ideas that tell a story or reveal what can’t be learned in Provo.
In a sense, this year’s competition will similarly reveal learning “abroad” but includes students who did participate on a fall 2019 program, those who were disrupted during winter 2020 semester, many more students whose programs in spring/summer terms never occurred due to the coronavirus, as well as any other BYU student who wants to enter.
How will this work? “The motivation behind this year’s widening to include all BYU students is open for interpretation” notes Paul Adams, chair of the BYU Photography Deparment and a contest judge. “Students can be creative in their interpretation of what it means to ‘Expand your world’ from their homes.” In other words, be creative and show how studying from home (or wherever you are) can offer new perspectives, consider cultural dimensions, or even free yourself to new ways of seeing.
As with past years, a $1,000 cash prize award for Best in Show will be given, along with $100 honorable mentions. Winning photos will hang in the Kennedy Center’s South Hallway Gallery after a fall semester awards ceremony.
See all contest rules and information, as well as past winners for inspiration on the Photo Contest page.