Rules

United Porphyria Association 
International Porphyria Art Challenge 2026 Official Rules 
 

Purpose 
This contest provides a structured platform for artistic expression connected to experiences surrounding porphyria. The goal is to support meaningful reflection, advocacy, and visibility without requiring disclosure of private medical information. 

Themes 
Participants must select one of the following conceptual prompts and may interpret them, symbolically, critically, or abstractly. 

• What porphyria signifies in one’s life, identity, or sense of self 

• Defining oneself beyond a diagnosis 

• How porphyria has shaped experiences, relationships, or worldview 

• Navigating, resisting, or responding to challenges linked to porphyria 

• Invisible realities, misconceptions, or misunderstandings that deserve recognition 

• Emotional dimensions such as resilience, grief, hope, uncertainty, or complexity 

• Imagining a future or world with greater awareness and understanding of porphyria 

Permitted Mediums
All forms of creative expression are welcome, including visual, digital, literary, performance, design, and experimental arts of any kind. 

A brief caption of one to two paragraphs must accompany each submission, explaining how the work relates to the selected theme. This statement should focus on conceptual intent rather than personal health disclosure. 

Explicit Prohibition of AI Use 
All submissions must be original human-created work. AI-generated, AI-assisted, or AI-augmented material is strictly prohibited, including partial use of AI tools for visual creation, drafting, rendering, editing, enhancement, or written composition. If AI use is identified, the submission will be immediately disqualified without appeal. The organization reserves the right to request reasonable verification of authorship and holds final authority in such determinations. 

Eligibility 
Any member of the porphyria community (individuals with porphyria, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researcher and allies) are eligible to participate. Minors under the age of 17 require parental or guardian consent. Anonymous or pseudonym submission will be permitted to protect privacy if desired. 

Submission Requirements 

• One submission per participant. 

• Work must be original, unpublished, and not previously entered in another contest. 

• Each submission must include a title, selected theme, and artist statement 

• Writing must comply with established word limits. 

• Visual works must meet the organization’s stated file format and resolution standards. 

• Multimedia works must meet stated technical compatibility requirements. 

Important Dates 

• Submission Deadline: Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT 

• Voting begins: Monday, May 18, 2026 

• Voting ends: Monday June 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT 

• Winners announced: June 5, 2026 

Evaluation Method: Public Voting System 

There will be no appointed judges. Evaluation will occur through a structured public voting system administered by the United Porphyria Association. 

• All accepted entries will be displayed in a designated public viewing format. 

• Voting procedures, eligibility to vote, timeframes, and anti-manipulation safeguards will be defined and published. 

• The organization reserves the right to nullify irregular or fraudulent voting activity. 

• Voting results will determine winners, and results are final. 

Awards and Recognition 
Prizes will be awarded based on number of votes. 

1st: $1,000 
2nd: $750 
3rd: $250 
 
All three will be posted in the UPA Headquarters.  

Copyright and Use of Work 
Artists retain full copyright. By submitting, participants grant the United Porphyria Association a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to display entries for educational and advocacy purposes with attribution. Extended or commercial use will require explicit additional consent. No private medical or personal data will be collected beyond what is voluntarily provided. 

Ethical and Content Standards 
Submissions may reflect positive, neutral, or difficult experiences. Inspirational framing is not required. Entries must avoid harmful stereotyping, disrespectful portrayals, or gratuitously graphic content unsuitable for public display. The organization reserves the right to exclude works that violate content standards. 

Administrative Provisions 
The United Porphyria Association reserves final administrative authority regarding rule interpretation, eligibility determinations, disqualification decisions, and procedural integrity.