AFIMSC Public Affairs
The 2026 Air Force Art and Photo Contest is underway and accepting submissions Oct. 1-31. Managed by the Air Force Services Center, this year’s competition invites participants to embrace the theme “Joy Unfiltered.”
In a world of curated feeds and perfected smiles, “Joy Unfiltered” challenges creators to bypass polished expectations and capture happiness in its most authentic state: raw, spontaneous and beautifully real.
The contest includes the following categories and age groups:
2D Artwork
Two-dimensional art is a drawing, sketch or painting. Accepted media includes oil, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, mixed media, gouache, egg tempura, pen and ink, charcoal, colored pencil, sketch board, markers and metal point.
Adult (ages 18+)
Youth Child (ages 6-8)
Youth Pre-Teen (ages 9-12)
Youth Teen (ages 13-17)
3D Artwork
Three-dimensional art mediums are sculptures, ceramics, pottery, clay, glass, metals, jewelry, wood, fiber, and textile.
Adult (ages 18+)
Youth Child (ages 6-8)
Youth Pre-Teen (ages 9-12)
Youth Teen (ages 13-17)
Photography
The practice of capturing images by exposing light-sensitive film or a digital sensor directly to the scene being photographed. It involves composing a single image in-camera, without significant post-processing or manipulation. Traditional photography aims to depict a scene or subject as faithfully as possible, relying on natural lighting and minimal alterations.
Adult (ages 18+)
Youth Child (ages 6-8)
Youth Pre-Teen (ages 9-12)
Youth Teen (ages 13-17)
Please visit the Art & Photo Contest website for Official Rules and Submission Requirements.
