Reflect on Privacy through Art
Submissions are now open!
The Unveil contest challenges U-M students to reflect on ideas and experiences, create original art, and spark important conversations about privacy in the context of surveillance, the individual, and society.
Co-sponsored by Information and Technology Services (ITS) and the School of Information.
Unveil 2027
Submissions
We are currently accepting submissions for the 2027 contest. The deadline to submit is February 21, 2027 at 11:59 PM. Late submissions will not be accepted. Winners will be announced in late March.
Submit here.
The following categories are accepted:
- Visual Art (2D, 3D, photography, graphic design, multimedia)
- Performing Art (music, dance, theater)
- Literary Art (poetry, essay, fiction, spoken word)
Limited to one submission per student. Collaborations allowed. Artwork created with AI assistance is eligible for the contest, but artists must describe how they used AI and in what stage of the artistic process.
Enrolled students on the UM-Ann Arbor, UM-Dearborn, and UM-Flint campuses are eligible to participate.
Winning contest entries will be showcased at an award ceremony and reception and will be featured in the Unveil Winners Gallery.
Prizes
The top 3 winners in each category receive a prize:
- First Prize: $500 gift card and gift basket
- Second Prize: $250 gift card and gift basket
- Third Prize: $100 gift card and gift basket
Judging Criteria
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Relevance |
How clearly the work explores privacy in the context of surveillance, the individual, and society; strength of message or storytelling. Potential topics to explore may include, but are not limited to, human agency and autonomy, individual and civil liberties, surveillance capitalism, "big brother"/government surveillance states, and pervasive surveillance and technology. |
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Mastery |
Quality and proficiency of technique (visual, written, or performative). |
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Creativity |
Extent to which the work demonstrates unique ideas or a fresh perspective and expresses ideas in new and interesting ways. |
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Originality |
Extent to which the work stands out from conventional approaches, using a unique and authentic style. |
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Impact |
Ability to provoke thought, inspire reflection, or evoke emotion; memorability and audience resonance. |
Unveil 2026
View the Unveil Winners Gallery.
Check out the Michigan Daily's coverage of the 2026 award ceremony and reception.
Questions? Contact [email protected]