The 2D Visual Arts category includes individual works or collections in the following forms:

• Paintings – Created with any painting medium (e.g., acrylic, oil, watercolour, gouache) on canvas or framed paper.

• Illustrations – Physical or digital

• Photography – Analogue or digital

• Collages or Mixed Media — Flat or nearly flat works.
  

Submission Requirements

Digital Works (Illustration or Photography):

• Minimum resolution: 2,000 pixels on the longest side at 300 dpi.

• Maximum file size: 15 MB.

• Accepted formats: JPG, PNG, or PDF.

• Selected works will be printed by the SSU for exhibition at the Gallery Expo.

Physical Works (Painting, Collage, Mixed Media, or Hand-Drawn Illustration):

• Maximum size: 24 in × 36 in (61 cm × 91 cm), including frame if applicable.

• Works must be ready for hanging (mounted, framed, or on stretched canvas).

• If framing is required, students are responsible for ensuring the piece is exhibition-ready.

Collections or Series:

• Participants may submit series or collections of up to 5 pieces.

• All pieces should be part of the same collection and share a common theme or concept.

The 3D Visual Arts category includes individual works or collections of:

• Sculptures

• Ceramics

• Textiles

• 3D Mixed Media

• Small Installation Pieces

Submission Requirements

Size & Space Limits:

• Individual works must fit within a display space of 3 ft (W) × 3 ft (D) × 6 ft (H).

• Collections or series of works must fit collectively within 4 ft (W) × 4 ft (D) × 6 ft (H).

Presentation Requirements:

• Works must be stable and safe to display in a public setting.

• Artists are responsible for providing any required supports (e.g., pedestals, mounts, or display stands).

• Fragile works must be clearly labelled, and artists are encouraged to visit the setup to confirm proper display.

Collections or Series:

• Participants may submit series or collections of up to 5 pieces

• All pieces should be part of the same collection and share a common theme or concept.

The Video Art category includes:

• Live-Action Reflective Short Films – 1 to 3 minutes.

• Animated Reflective Short Films – 15 to 45 seconds.

• Stop-Motion Reflective Short Films – 15 to 45 seconds.

• Mixed Media Videos – Up to 3 minutes.

Notes & Requirements:

• Time limits apply to the body of the work and do not include credits. Please submit two versions: one without credits (within the time limit) and one with credits.

• Collaboration is permitted. Be sure to credit all contributors.

• These categories are non-restrictive, creativity and cross-disciplinary approaches are encouraged.

• At the Expo: Video submissions will loop on screens at reduced volume. Additionally, selected works will be presented on larger screens at scheduled times, allowing artists to share insights about their creative process.

The Creative Writing category includes:

• Poetry or Slam Poetry

• Short Non-Fiction Stories

• Short Fiction Stories

• Song Lyrics

Length & Performance Limits:

• Poetry / Slam Poetry — Maximum of 2 pages (approx. 500 words); live performance up to 3 minutes.

• Short Fiction / Non-Fiction — Maximum of 1,500 words (approx. 5 double-spaced pages); live reading up to 5 minutes.

• Song Lyrics — Maximum of 2 pages (approx. 300–500 words); live performance up to 4 minutes.

Presentation Requirements:

• Creative writing entries will be read, performed, or interpreted live on stage during the Expo at scheduled times based on participant availability.

• Participants may designate another person to interpret or perform their work on their behalf.

• Collaborative performances (e.g., music accompaniment for song lyrics, or a partner for slam poetry) are permitted.

• To participate in this contest, you must be of Latin-American origin or descent.

• Each participant may submit only one entry, regardless of category. This ensures everyone has a fair chance to participate.

• All entries must include: your student email, student ID number, artwork title, and a short description of the artwork. This information helps us track submissions and conduct the initial jury review before the Expo.

• By entering the contest, you are also applying for a spot in the Expo (unless you choose to opt out). Applying does not guarantee a spot; we will do our best to include as many works as possible, but the number of submissions and quality of pieces are factors we must account for.

• Please familiarize yourself with the regulations for your chosen category before submitting.

• Participants may opt out of the Expo while remaining in the contest. This means your artwork will not be displayed publicly. To do so, select the “Opt out of Expo” box in the submission form.

• Creative Writing entries that opt out of the Expo are not eligible for first place, but can still win second or third place.

• Exhibitors are responsible for ensuring their artwork is displayed as intended by providing accurate dimensions in the submission form and reviewing their display in person before the public exhibit.

AI submissions are strictly prohibited. No exceptions.
Sheridan is internationally recognized for the quality of its artistic education. We value integrity, originality, dedication, and passion. Allowing generative AI submissions undermines the effort of students who dedicate themselves to their craft and creates an unfair environment.

If a submission is flagged as AI-generated, it will be immediately removed from the contest, and the participant will not be allowed to submit a replacement entry.