The Light from the Other Shore

- 2025 New York International Art Competition

Deadline:

  • Deadline: July 17, 2025 (Midnight EST)

  • Award Announcements: All participants will be notified within 7 business days after the deadline.

  • Online Exhibition Dates: July 27 – August 27, 2025

  • Organized by: Whitelock Art Center, New York, USA

Foreword | The Light from the Other Shore – 2025 New York International Art Competition

In an era shaped simultaneously by conflict and technology, we are more compelled than ever to ask: what is the “other shore”? Is it a realm of hope beyond reality, or a spiritual projection from the depths of the human soul? The Light from the Other Shore is not only the theme of the 2025 New York International Art Competition—it is also an intellectual portal, inviting reflection through the lenses of philosophy, sociology, and art.

From a philosophical standpoint, “the other shore” represents both the contemplation and transcendence of existence. It embodies the human desire for infinite meaning in the face of a finite world. In the Platonic tradition, the light from the other shore symbolizes the revelation of truth; in the view of modern existentialists, it becomes a flame of faith within an absurd reality. This competition is a spiritual calling—urging artists to respond to the timeless question: how can one find belief and direction in a disordered world?

Sociologically, the notion of “the other shore” is not a mere abstraction, but an ideal state intimately tied to our current social condition. Amid global crises, cultural fragmentation, and shifting identities, people yearn for a more inclusive, just, and humane world—a shared future that belongs to all. This longing finds expression, conflict, and contemplation in art. The participating artists hail from diverse cultures, languages, and histories, yet their works converge in a collective concern for the destiny of humanity.

From an art theory perspective, The Light from the Other Shore signifies an expedition in form and a renewal of ideas. The competition encourages multi-media and multi-dimensional practices—from painting, sculpture, and installation to digital generation, photography, AI collaboration, and more. These explorations move beyond traditional aesthetics to create a fluid, hybrid, and open artistic ecology, reflecting the expanding boundaries of contemporary art.

The Light from the Other Shore is not an endpoint, but an invitation to reexamine the present through the lens of possibility. This competition is more than a gathering of global artistic talent—it is a shared spiritual journey. We hope that each viewer can see a reflection of themselves in these works, and through them, catch a glimpse of the collective light of hope for humankind.

Whitelock Art Center aspires to be a bridge—connecting this shore with the other, linking art with thought, and uniting individuals with their time.

This year’s competition welcomes submissions across a wide range of media, including painting, sculpture, photography, new media, ceramics, collage, illustration, installation, visual arts, digital art, AI-integrated art, and mixed media. The judging panel, composed of esteemed artists, curators, and critics from around the world, will evaluate all entries through three rounds of review, considering creativity, technique, expressive power, and interpretation of the theme.

Art Competition Rules, Copyright, and Usage

Eligibility:
The competition is open to professional artists, art school students, and art enthusiasts worldwide who are 18 years of age or older. Participants may apply individually or as a team. Each participant (or team) may submit up to 5 works.

Artwork Requirements:

  • Theme Relevance: All submitted works must center around the theme “The Light from the Other Shore.” Artists are encouraged to reflect on the question: What is the “other shore”? Is it a realm of hope beyond reality, or a spiritual projection from within?

  • Mediums Accepted: A wide range of artistic media are accepted, including but not limited to: painting, sculpture, photography, video, new media, ceramics, installation, digital art, visual art, and AI-based art. Works may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional, but must be presented in a format suitable for exhibition.

  • Originality: All entries must be original works created by the submitting artist(s). The use of third-party materials, plagiarism, or any infringement of copyright is strictly prohibited.

Submission Requirements:

  • All entries must be submitted digitally via the official competition platform or email, and include complete details such as the concept description, dimensions, materials used, and year of creation.

  • Image files must be in JPG format. For sound or video artworks, please provide an online link along with a main image of the work.

  • A document containing the artist's CV.

  • A brief artist statement.

  • Each artwork must be clearly labeled with: title, year of creation, materials, dimensions, artist’s name, and nationality.

  • A screenshot of the submission fee payment.

  • Please submit all materials to the official email: whitelockartcenter@gmail.com

  • Email subject format: [Your Name] — The Light from the Other Shore

Submission Fee:
Each artist may submit 1 to 5 works, with a total submission fee of $45.

Judging Criteria:

  • Creativity & Relevance to Theme:
    The work should creatively express the relationship to the theme “The Light from the Other Shore” and align closely with its conceptual framework.

  • Technique & Craftsmanship:
    The technical execution of the work, including the use of materials and level of craftsmanship.

  • Emotional Expression & Impact:
    The ability of the artwork to convey deep emotions or ideas through artistic language and resonate with the viewer.

  • Overall Concept & Innovation:
    The uniqueness of the work and its innovative approach to artistic expression.

Judging Process:

  • Preliminary Selection:
    The jury will conduct an initial review of all submissions to select finalists.

  • Final Selection & Award Decision:
    Finalist works will undergo further rounds of evaluation to determine the award winners.

Awards:

  • Grand Exhibition Award

  • Gold Award

  • Silver Award

  • Bronze Award

  • Excellence Award

All winning works will be announced on the official website and featured across major global media and art platforms. Winning artists will have the opportunity to be recommended to prominent contemporary art galleries, curators, and collectors in the United States—enhancing their exposure and potential for collection. They may also be considered for representation or solo exhibitions by Whitelock Art Center, or even invited to join the Academic Committee.

Note:
If any winning artworks are collected during the exhibition period by galleries or collectors, 100% of the sales proceeds will go directly to the artist, without any commission taken.

Global Media Coverage Includes:

The Associated Press, ABC, Digital Journal, NBC, HTV10.TV, SNNTV, NCN, FOX 28, FOX 43, Business London Press, sebsartlist, widewalls, slideshare, NewsAnyway, Artrabbit, artaviso, service.exibart, and more.

Copyright & Usage

Copyright Ownership:
All copyrights remain with the artists. By submitting their work, participants grant the organizers a non-exclusive license to use images and descriptions of the work during and after the competition for promotional purposes.

Usage Authorization:
The organizing committee reserves the right to display submitted artwork images on its website, social media platforms, and promotional materials without additional compensation.
Winning works may be used in exhibitions, publications, and media coverage for non-commercial purposes, and the artist will retain full credit and name attribution.

Commercial Use:
If the organizers or any affiliated partners wish to use the artworks for commercial purposes (e.g., publications, merchandise, etc.), they will negotiate with the artist and sign a separate agreement detailing revenue distribution.

Participant Agreement:

By submitting an entry, the participant agrees to all competition rules and confirms the originality of their work. The work must not infringe on any third-party intellectual property rights. If plagiarism or infringement is discovered, the organizing committee reserves the right to disqualify the participant and pursue legal action if necessary.

Dispute Resolution:
In the event of disputes regarding copyright, usage, or other matters, both parties agree to resolve them through amicable negotiation. If no resolution is reached, disputes will be submitted to a court in New York and handled in accordance with local laws.

These rules are established to ensure fairness and transparency and to protect the rights of both participants and organizers. Participants are strongly encouraged to read and follow the guidelines carefully to ensure the smooth progress of the competition.