Hotel Canvas Group NYC Photography Awards 2026

About the Open Call

UNFILTERED is about capturing the city’s beauty in its truest form: the laughter, the chaos, the quiet, the connection. It’s not about perfection — it’s about presence. The stories that make this city impossible to define, but unforgettable to feel. Participants are asked to submit a series of 5–10 original photographs, a short self-introduction, titles for each photo, and a short story paragraph about the work. The call is hosted by Hotel Canvas, which views the hotel as a canvas and the guest as a creator.

What is Offered

1st Place: $5,000 cash prize, Named Hotel Canvas Featured Artist 2026, and a Solo Exhibition at Hotel Canvas Fifth Avenue Gallery. 2nd Place: $1,000 cash prize. 3rd Place: $500 cash prize. All participants may have a guest room named after them, use it to display work, and keep 100% of sales revenue.

Requirements

Submission of 5–10 original photographs, self-introduction, and storytelling paragraphs. Preference is given to students currently enrolled in a College Photo Program.

How to Apply

Submit via the Picter platform by clicking 'Start Submission'. Requirements include a series of 5–10 original photographs, a short self-introduction, titles for each photo, and a short story paragraph about the work.