Title: Example of a Video Entry Caption: This is what the caption would look like. This video was chosen from a short on UPA's YouTube channel. tw_user11 Hours
Title: Example of a Video Entry
Caption: This is what the caption would look like.
This video was chosen from a short on UPA's YouTube channel.
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Sample of a Written Piece Here's another caption. tw_user10 Hours
Sample of a Written Piece
Here's another caption.
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Example of an Image Entry This is an example of a caption. The Chicago Skyline at Porphyria Palooza 2024. tw_user7 Hours
Example of an Image Entry
This is an example of a caption. The Chicago Skyline at Porphyria Palooza 2024.
This contest ended on 6-1-2026 11:59 PM Eastern Time
International Porphyria Art Challenge
This contest will start on 4-15-2026 12:00 AM Eastern Time
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International Porphyria Art Challenge
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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.