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What Makes this event different?

This contest seeks to present an intimate portrait of the performing arts not typically seen from the stage. For more than seven decades, the Colburn School has been a home for developing performing artists where creativity in all its forms is nurtured. The visual arts and performing arts are deeply connected as complementary creative pursuits, and the School has a long history of showcasing art on campus to inspire and uplift the community. It is privileged to be the home of an extraordinary James Arkatov photography collection. A celebrated cellist and gifted photographer, he used his camera to create intimate portraits of legendary artists such as Isaac Stern, Igor Stravinsky, Sir Thomas Beecham, Gregor Piatigorsky, and Yo-Yo Ma, among many others. Winners will have their photos on display near those taken by Arkatov.

Copyright Policy

All entries must be original work created by the entrant and taken within the past four (4) years. Entrants may not submit images that have been published for commercial purposes, including stock photography. Individuals may only enter one photograph. Entrants are responsible for obtaining subject’s or subjects’ prior consent to be depicted in image and permission for the photography to be displayed and reproduced by the Colburn School. Entrants agrees the Colburn School reserves in perpetuity the non-exclusive right to publish entries for promotional purposes in print; online including social media accounts, electronic newsletter, and website; and on display on the Colburn Campus. Use of AI tools is not permitted. Entrants are fully responsible for the integrity of their submissions to this contest. Entrants confirm you are the sole owner and author of photograph; the submission does not infringe upon the copyrights, trademarks, contract rights, or any other intellectual property rights of any third person or entity, or violate any person’s rights of privacy or publicity.

Image Usage Rights

Entrants agree the Colburn School reserves in perpetuity the non-exclusive right to publish entries for promotional purposes in print; online including social media accounts, electronic newsletter, and website; and on display on the Colburn Campus.

Call for Entries for Photographers Celebrating the Performing Arts

The Colburn School Arkatov Photography Contest invites photographers of all levels—amateur, professional, and hobbyist—to share their unique perspective on the performing arts. A separate category is reserved for Colburn School students, including those in pre-professional music and dance programs.

Submissions should reflect a personal, human view of the performing arts, including moments beyond the stage such as classes, rehearsals, backstage scenes, and portraits of soloists or ensembles. Inspired by the legacy of James Arkatov, entries will be judged by members of the Los Angeles arts community for originality, technical excellence, composition, and their ability to capture the spirit of performance.

Submissions may be black-and-white or in color. Taken with state-of-the-art cameras or camera phones. They must not be AI produced, and it is the photographer's responsiblity to obtain subjects' permission to be photographed. 

Prizes 

In the External Photographer category – up to $2,500 in total award funds, to be distributed among one or more winners at the discretion of the judging panel

In the Colburn Student Photographers category – up to $2,000 in total award funds, to be distributed among one or more winners at the discretion of the judging panel

Winning photographs will be printed and displayed on the Colburn campus near the Arkatov collection.

For more information regarding this photography competition, please visit the Event Website.