IABC Art Contest (Theme will be announced at first GBM!)

The IABC Art Contest is a campus-wide creative challenge designed to help students turn their artistic work into strong portfolio pieces, while gaining exposure to real-world presentation, storytelling, and professional feedback.

This contest is not about style trends or popularity. It is about:

  • intentional creative decision-making

  • translating ideas into finished work

  • and learning how creative work is evaluated outside the classroom

Artists of all experience levels are welcome.

Open to all UIUC students

  • All creative disciplines welcome (illustration, painting, digital art, mixed media, etc.)

  • No prior experience required

Interdisciplinary submissions are encouraged.

Why Participate?

Most students create artwork in isolation. This contest is an opportunity to practice what happens after the work is made.

Participants will:

  • Develop a finished piece suitable for portfolios or applications

  • Practice articulating concept, process, and intent

  • Receive exposure to professional and peer evaluation

  • Gain experience participating in a structured creative opportunity

For many students, this is their first step toward treating their creative work with professional seriousness.

Submission Guidelines

Submit one original work

  • Any medium is allowed unless otherwise specified

  • Work must be created by the submitting artist

  • AI-generated artwork is not permitted

  • Artists retain full ownership of their work

Specific format and submission instructions will be provided upon registration.

Judging Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated based on:

  • Concept & Intent
    Clarity of idea, message, or purpose behind the work

  • Execution & Craft
    Technical control and thoughtful use of medium

  • Creative Decision-Making
    Evidence of intentional choices rather than random effects

  • Presentation & Communication
    How effectively the artist explains their work and process

This contest values thinking and intention, not just visual polish.

Interested? More details will be provided in the upcoming weeks! Follow our Instagram and join our Discord to stay updated on how to participate in the art contest!

Do you have an idea for an event? Join one of our teams!

The IABC is a new and growing organization, and the Events Team plays a central role in shaping its programming and direction. Team members help plan and execute speaker events and workshops while building the systems and processes that will define IABC’s future.

This role is ideal for students who want ownership, leadership responsibility, and hands-on experience building professional-facing events from the ground up.

Apply to help build IABC’s events infrastructure and set the standard for future programming.

Learn more