There are real opportunities online… and a lot of junk. This checklist isn’t about paranoia — it’s about making a decision in two minutes.
1) Is the organizer verifiable?
- a real official website with real contacts
- address, team, track record
- past editions with winners you can verify
If the organizer is a “ghost”, be careful.
2) Are fees transparent?
A fee can be legitimate, but it should be:
- clear (cost + what it includes)
- proportional to the rewards
- consistent (or explained if tiered)
Red flag: high fee + vague rewards.
3) Are rewards specific or fluffy?
“Global exposure” is not a prize. Good rewards are concrete:
- cash amount
- exhibition with venue + dates
- publication with a real publisher/outlet
- residency with clear duration + what’s included
4) Rights: always read that section
- non-exclusive promotional license (often fine)
- exclusive transfer or unlimited commercial usage (warning)
Simple rule: if they can use/sell your work commercially with no compensation, walk away.
5) Is the jury real?
- full names
- roles/institutions
- verifiable profiles
“Jury of experts” with no names = low transparency.
6) Timeline: is it realistic?
- deadline
- results date
- how results are communicated
7) The 60-second rule
If you spot two strong red flags, move on. Use your time on better calls.
Tip: bookmark this page and use it every time you open a listing.
