Call Description

“Are You Really Winning?” Public Art Competition for Problem Gambling Awareness

Art can serve as a powerful tool for emotional healing and recovery. The “Are You Really Winning?” Problem Gambling Awareness Art Competition, now in its fourth year, invites Illinois residents, ages 14 and up, to create artwork that shines light on the journey from darkness to hope for those struggling with a gambling addiction. 

In addition to all forms of Visual Media (video, photography, sculpture, painting), we’re expanding to include Literary & Performance submissions (spoken word, poetry, songs, short videos or film and essays).

"Are You Really Winning?" is a statewide campaign raising awareness about problem gambling. Artists are invited to submit original works that give voice to those affected and inspire hope for recovery. Entries will be judged on how the artwork captures the journey from darkness and despair to hope and recovery. A professional jury will review all submissions and stipends of $2,000, $1,000, and $500 will be awarded to selected emerging and/or established artists. Additionally, Visa gift cards of $100 will be awarded to up to five artists in the Student category. Selected artwork will be unveiled at the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling conference in Spring 2026 and will be featured in several public exhibits throughout the state. Learn more at areyoureallywinning.com

Application Requirements

General Notes for All Submissions

• All work must be original and created by the submitting artist or writer.
• Collaborative or AI-generated works, as well as artwork containing trademarked imagery, will not be accepted.
• Judges will review submissions based on clarity of message, creativity, emotional impact and adherence to the theme.
• Entry is FREE. Upload submissions through the CaFÉ submission management platform.
• Artists must create a brief profile and log in to submit an entry.
• Submission deadline: March 31, 2026, midnight CST.
• Artist notification: Spring 2026.
• Selected works will be unveiled at a Spring 2026 event and included in a public exhibit.
• Previously submitted works will not be accepted.
• If artwork is selected, we will own the rights to the artwork, and it will be featured as part of the traveling art exhibition across Illinois, as well as in social media campaigns and advertising.

Criteria:

• The professional jury will review submissions and make selections based on the following criteria:
• Compelling expression of subject matter pertaining to problem gambling or themes that communicate journeys of conflict, hope and resolution (emotive non-representational work will also be considered)
• Originality, creative use of material/technique, visual design innovation and aesthetic appeal
• Written statement about how the artwork addresses problem gambling

Call for Entries – All Categories

Artwork (video, photography, sculpture, painting)

• All art mediums accepted; one entry per artist (up to 3 works).
• Include title, medium, size, year of creation.
• High-quality JPEG/JPG only, under 5MB, minimum 1,200 pixels on the longest side.

Poetry/ Written Essay 

• Up to 2 original poems or 1 essay, 1 page max, 12 pt font.
• Submit as Word or PDF.

Spoken Word/ Song

• One submission per artist, max 3 minutes.
• With submission, please include text/lyrics of spoken word or song.
• Submit as MP4 or YouTube/Vimeo link. Simple single-take recordings are fine.

Short Video / Film

• Max 2 minutes. Original content only (no copyrighted or AI-generated material).
• Narrative, animation or montage accepted.
• Submit as MP4 or YouTube/Vimeo link.

All Submissions

Include a short statement (max 200 words) on how your work addresses problem gambling.

How to Apply

For detailed instructions on how to apply, please visit this page, which includes a video with step-by-step instructions as well as written instructions.

If you have any questions or encounter any issues with your submission, please contact Andrea Ramirez at aramirez@a5inc.com.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility

• Open to emerging and professional artists, ages 14 and up, living in Illinois.
• High school students are encouraged to submit and will be juried in a Student category.