This year, the Asian Universities Alliance (AUA) is inviting students, faculty, and staff from its member universities to capture the charm of Asia’s neighborhoods through the camera lens as part of its Embracing Asian Diversity Photo Contest Series. Submissions are open until March 17, 2024, 11:59 PM (UTC+8). Enter now!
Background
The bustling streets and quiet corners of Asia’s neighborhoods are where communities thrive and culture flourishes. Which treasures do neighborhoods across Asia hold? What makes Asia’s neighborhoods so dynamic, vibrant, and colorful?
Students, faculty, and staff from AUA’s member universities have the opportunity to share their answers through this year’s Embracing Asian Diversity Photo Contest which centers on the theme “Neighborhoods of Asia.”
The photo contest series is hosted by the Asian Universities Alliance (AUA) and organized by Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School (Tsinghua SIGS). It aims to capture and celebrate Asia’s diversity and its impact on the world through the lens of the camera and from the varied perspectives across the continent.
In 2022 and 2023, AUA hosted the “Community of Life: Biodiversity Through the Lens” and “Splendor of Asian Cultural Heritage” Photo Contests respectively, calling on participants from member universities across Asia to capture the diversity of Asia through the camera lens.
Theme
The theme of the contest is “Neighborhoods of Asia.”
Submitted photographs can depict elements including, but not limited to, community life, people, architecture, transportation, festivals, events, street markets, environment, art, fashion, etc., in urban and rural areas. Photographs depicting traditional or modern neighborhood life are welcome.
Eligibility
Students, faculty, and staff from AUA member universities can participate in the photo contest.
Participants should be at least 18 years old to enter the contest.
Deadline
Photos should be submitted via the submission platform (auaphotocontest.awardsplatform.com) by March 17, 2024 (11:59 PM Beijing time, UTC+8:00).
Prizes
Judges will choose 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize winners. Two participants will be chosen for first prize, four for second prize, and six for third prize.
First prize winners will receive a prize of 500 USD (or the equivalent amount in CNY), 2nd prize winners will receive 300 USD (or the equivalent amount in CNY), and 3rd prize winners will receive 100 USD (or the equivalent amount in CNY). Award money will be taxed in accordance with the laws and regulations of China.
Prize winners and shortlisted participants will also be sent digital award certificates.
Winning and shortlisted photos will be displayed in a photo exhibition organized by Tsinghua SIGS.
First, 2nd, and 3rd prize student winners may also be invited to come to Shenzhen, China, to participate in a summer program. Participation in the program is dependent on visa regulations and other relevant policies. Only students currently enrolled at AUA member universities at the time of the program will be allowed to participate. Tsinghua SIGS will cover program-related expenses in Shenzhen, including food, housing, and activity expenses. Prize winners will be responsible for other expenses related to the program.
Submission Requirements
1) Submissions should be original photos that relate to the theme “Neighborhoods of Asia.”
2) Each photo should include a 150 to 200-word description that explains the subject of the photo and its connection to the theme.
3) Photo series and collages are NOT accepted. One participant can submit up to 10 photos (entries) and each photo will be judged individually.
4) Please submit all photos and required personal information to the submission platform which can be accessed via auaphotocontest.awardsplatform.com.
5) Photos taken with a digital camera or smartphone are accepted. Photos will be judged based on creativity, visual quality, and relevance to the theme.
6) Upload JPG photo(s) with a size of no less than 1 MB and no greater than 10 MB to the submission platform. Please name your photo(s) using the following format: UNIVERSITY YOUR NAME PHOTO TITLE (e.g., Tsinghua John SMITH A busy hutong)
7) Only minor modifications to the photographs will be accepted (e.g. dodging and burning, aperture, cropping, color balance). Do not add words, symbols, or logos to the photos that are not part of the original photograph.
8) Please make sure that you receive a confirmation e-mail for each entry. If you do not receive a confirmation e-mail, please contact AUA.photocontest@outlook.com. If you have any additional questions about AUA, please contact the AUA Secretariat at aua@tsinghua.edu.cn.
9) Photos should not violate any of the terms and conditions (see attachment below). Please remember that you should receive permission from any human subjects you photograph; photographs should not violate subjects’ copyrights, portrait rights, privacy rights, right to protection against attacks on reputation, etc.
AUA Neighborhoods of Asia Photo Contest Terms & Conditions.pdf
Source: Office of Communications & Outreach
Edited by Alena Shish & Yuan Yang
