Sharing and Caring Cities: Portraits of Collective Urban Life
The Penn Institute for Urban Research (Penn IUR) runs an annual photography contest as part of its public program. The 2026 edition is the 10th cycle, themed Sharing and Caring Cities: Portraits of Collective Urban Life — work engaging with shared urban spaces and how cities address inequality and climate change.
The contest is academic-affiliated rather than a fine-art competition. The brief favors documentary observation of shared infrastructure, public space, and collective practices.
AI-generated work is not accepted.
Selection is by Penn faculty and researchers: Nikhil Anand (Professor of Anthropology), Amy Hillier (Associate Professor), Matthew Neff (Director, Undergraduate Fine Arts, Weitzman School), and Jennifer Whittaker (Research Scientist, CHOP Policy Lab). Top prize is $500.
Eligibility is open to all photographers globally. Submission is through Penn's Qualtrics form with 3 images. Application is free. The 2026 deadline was April 15.
Jury: Nikhil Anand, Professor of Anthropology, Penn · Amy Hillier, Associate Professor, Penn · Matthew Neff, Director, Undergraduate Fine Arts, Weitzman School · Jennifer Whittaker, Research Scientist, CHOP Policy Lab
Organized by Penn Institute for Urban Research