Let’s change that.
Because if you’re not reading the fine print, you might be giving away more than your entry—you might be giving away your rights.
🚩 What Are You Really Agreeing To?
Most art competitions ask you to grant them certain permissions—this is normal. But not all terms are equal. Some are straightforward and temporary. Others are exploitative and permanent.
Here’s what to look for (and what to question):
1. Usage Rights: Temporary or Forever?
Check if you’re granting them a limited licence (e.g., to display your art for the duration of the contest or in promotional materials) or a perpetual one.
🚫 Red flag: “We reserve the right to use your image in any format, in perpetuity, without compensation.”
✅ Better: “By submitting, you grant us permission to use your image for promotion of this competition and related events.”
2. Exclusivity Clauses
Some competitions demand exclusive rights, meaning you can’t display or sell the work elsewhere for a certain time (or ever).
🚫 Red flag: “Submitted artwork must not be entered into other contests, published, or sold without our written permission.”
✅ Better: “We request exclusive rights during the judging period. After that, all rights revert to you.”
3. Commercial Use
Will your artwork be used to sell products? If so, you should be paid. Full stop.
🚫 Red flag: “All submissions may be used on merchandise or prints.”
✅ Better: “We may contact selected artists separately for licensing opportunities.”
4. Modifications and Attribution
Some terms allow organisers to crop, recolour, or edit your work. Worse, they may not even credit you.
🚫 Red flag: “We reserve the right to edit submitted works for display purposes and may omit artist names where appropriate.”
✅ Better: “Artwork may be resized or formatted but will never be altered without consent, and credit will always be given.”
💡 Can You Push Back?
Yes. Politely.
Many contests copy and paste terms from outdated templates. If something feels off, write to the organisers. Ask for clarification or express concern.
“Hi, I’m interested in entering, but I noticed the T&Cs mention perpetual usage rights. Could you clarify if that includes commercial use, or if the licence is limited to promotional purposes? Thanks for your time.”
They may not change their policy—but if enough artists raise the same issue, they might think twice next year.
✅ So, Should You Enter?
Absolutely—if the terms are fair and respectful.
Art competitions can be wonderful platforms. Just make sure you enter with open eyes and your rights intact.
Remember: your art has value. Your voice has power. You’re allowed to question the rules.
