Laureate College is thrilled to announce its 2025 Photography Contest, an inspiring initiative aimed at encouraging young artists to observe and reflect on pressing social and environmental issues. This year’s contest will focus on the themes of social responsibility and climate change, drawing inspiration from the work of internationally acclaimed photographer Edward Burtynsky.
Burtynsky’s groundbreaking photography captures the environmental impact of human industry, blending artistic excellence with social consciousness. His work, featured in major global institutions, inspires critical reflection on sustainability and humanity’s role in shaping the planet.
Honoring Burtynsky’s legacy, the Gifted Arts Program at Laureate College invited high school students to engage in a critical thinking exploration through photography. The competition serves as a platform for young photographers to develop their artistic voice while addressing urgent global challenges. The initiative will culminate in an exhibition and awards ceremony during the 2025 Laureate Arts Festival on April 26, 2025.
This event will underscore the importance of artistic expression as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue and innovation.
Three Contest Categories:
1. Natural Order – A celebration of nature’s beauty around us, and the balance through compelling imagery.
2. Water – An exploration of water as an essential element of human survival, capturing its beauty, power, or scarcity.
3. Getting Close to Nature – A focus on intricate textures and details found in the natural world, encouraging patience and deeper observation.
This last category emphasizes the importance of slowing down and truly seeing the world around us. In an era of fast-paced digital consumption, the contest encourages students to use photography as a meditative and investigative tool, fostering mindfulness and awareness.
Laureate College, an international boarding and day school, integrates STEAM education with the Gifted Arts Program to push beyond traditional learning. Through cultural exchange and shared experiences, students gain critical knowledge of their surroundings, becoming active participants in positive global transformation.
Join Us at the 2025 Arts Festival!
The winners of the 2025 Photography Contest will be announced during the Arts Festival on April 26, 2025. Community members are invited to attend the festival and participate in selecting the People’s Choice Award. The exhibition, hosted at The Galleries at Laureate, will feature photographs from students and community members alike.
For those interested in showcasing your photography at The Galleries during this event, please contact our curator, Ixchel Suarez, at [email protected] to be part of this remarkable event.
Laureate College Photography Contest. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to attend this truly amazing exhibition.
Photo credit: Ixchel
