The Dr. David Chu Program in Asia-Pacific Studies holds an annual photo and video competition open to all students at the University of Toronto. The contest invites submissions of photographic representations of the Asia-Pacific (East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific) that inspire us to imagine the region from unique perspectives. The winning photos are displayed at the Asian Institute and on the Chu Program’s promotional materials and website.
Past winners
Call for submissions
The Dr. David Chu Program in Asia-Pacific Studies at the Asian Institute, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, seeks photographic and video representations of the Asia-Pacific (East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific) that inspire us to imagine the region from unique perspectives. The judges are seeking photographs and videos of high artistic quality that offer thought provoking images, including those that may be highly abstract. All entries will be considered for prizes as well as display on the Chu Program’s website and promotional materials. The first prize photo will be displayed at the Asian Institute. If in doubt about whether a photograph fits this description, please submit and judges will determine appropriateness.
Official rules
Currently registered undergraduate and graduate students from any of the University of Toronto’s three campuses are eligible to enter the contest. Each entrant may submit their work to no more than two of the following categories: (1) Single photograph: up to five single photographs; (2) Photographic series: up to five photographs as a cohesive series; (3) Video: a short video of no more than 60 seconds. Photographs and videos must be submitted in digital format. All images may have been taken at any time prior to the entry deadline date and time. Entrants should also submit an appropriate caption or short description for each entry that briefly explains the work and indicates where and when they were captured.
Photographs and videos that include sculptures, statues, paintings, and other works of art will be accepted as long as they do not constitute copyright infringement or fraud. When photographing someone else’s work, the object must be in its environment and not a full-frame close-up of another person’s art.
The submitted photographic or video work, in its entirety, must be created by the Contest entrant. By entering the Contest, the entrant acknowledges and warrants that the submitted photograph or video is an original work created solely by the entrant, that the photograph and video does not infringe on the copyrights, trademarks, moral rights, rights of privacy/publicity or intellectual property rights of any person or entity, and that no other party has any right, title, claim, or interest in the photograph or video. The entrant accepts all responsibility for any copyright issues that may arise. Contest judges reserve the right not to accept any work without explanation.
By entering the contest, the entrant grants permission to the Dr. David Chu Program in Asia-Pacific Studies to use the work on the Program website as well as other promotional materials.
The contest is currently closed for this year.
Prizes
FIRST PRIZE: $200 and exhibition of the work at the Asian Institute’s gallery or website.
SECOND AND THIRD PRIZE: A book of the entrant’s choice that has been authored by a core faculty member of the Asian Institute at the University of Toronto (subject to availability and cost restrictions to be determined by the Chu Program Director) and exhibition of the work at the Asian Institute’s gallery or website.
Judging
Submitted works will be judged by the Chu Program Director and one or more additional faculty or staff members affiliated with the Asian Institute, or an external expert. Winners will be announced within one month after the close of the Contest, unless unforeseen circumstances necessitate a postponement or cancellation.
Right to suspend or cancel contest
The Sponsor reserves the right to suspend or cancel the contest for any reason.
Limitation of liability
By entering this Contest, all entrants agree to release, discharge, and hold harmless the Sponsor and its affiliates from any claims, losses, and damages arising out of their participation in this Contest or any Contest-related activities.
Submission guidelines
Entrants must fill out the Entry Form and upload the images along with the form submission by April 12, 2024, 11:59 PM EDT. Still images must be a minimum of 1600×1200 and 300 dpi, and must be in jpg format. Videos must be at least in 1080p MP4 format. Higher resolution images and videos are encouraged. If you have any difficulties with the entry form or file submission, or any questions, please contact Rebecca Bi, Program Advisor and Communications Officer, Asian Institute, at ai.asianstudies@utoronto.ca.
Banner image: Tin Long Anson Chan, The Nostalgia of Old Hong Kong (2023 Competition).