ADSW | Digital Art Competition

Submissions for the ADSW Global Digital Art Competition are open, enter yours now!

10-14 JANUARY 2027 Abu Dhabi, UAE

How do we build a future that thrives under pressure?

Artists worldwide are invited to respond through original works created with digital tools and inspired by the ADSW 2027 theme, Securing Systems. Sustaining Growth.

From resilient infrastructure and intelligent technologies to thriving communities and the natural world, submissions should explore the systems and connections that enable long-term progress.

Artists may also draw inspiration from any of ADSW’s five thematic pillars and interpret them through their own visual language and digital practice.

Submit Your Art

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What we’re looking for

Concept and resonance : A compelling artistic response to the ADSW 2027 theme, Securing Systems. Sustaining Growth. The work should explore how progress can be sustained through disruption, examining the systems and connections that support societies, economies and long-term growth.

Artistic vision and originality : A distinctive artistic voice demonstrated through strong composition, storytelling, and execution.

Impact and resonance : A work that engages audiences, sparks reflection, and offers fresh perspectives on resilience, interconnectedness, and human potential.

Representation and accessibility : A thoughtful approach to representation that reflects diverse perspectives and avoids stereotypes. Accessibility should be considered where appropriate, including captions for time-based media.
Eligibility

Open to artists aged 18 and above.

Submission essentials

Artist statement: 150–250 words : Outline the artistic concept, its connection to the ADSW 2027 theme or thematic pillars, and, where relevant, the role of technology or medium in the work.

Static works : Minimum 3000 px on the longest side. PNG or high-quality JPG. sRGB color profile. Higher resolutions are encouraged.

Moving image / animation : Up to 60 seconds. Minimum 1080p (4K accepted). Landscape, square, or portrait formats. MP4 (H.264). Captions required where dialogue or essential audio is included.

Interactive, generative, immersive or web-based works : Provide a hosted URL or accessible demonstration, together with a 30–60 second screen recording or documentation video. Include any technical or display requirements.

AI and creative technologies : Where AI, generative systems, creative coding, or similar tools play a significant role, identify the tools used and briefly describe their contribution to the work.

Credits and rights : Credit all collaborators, software, datasets, and third-party materials. Entrants must hold the necessary rights and permissions for all submitted content.