SPARK is an open-call photography contest for 16–20 year olds in the greater Ottawa/Gatineau region. It’s a chance to be selected for a public art exhibition and be awarded 2 years of free tuition to SPAO’s College Diploma Program.

Eligibility:

• Ages 16-20 | Canadian citizen or permanent resident

• Reside within 250km of the Ottawa & Gatineau region

Submission Guidelines:

• Submit 3 digital photographs (origin could be film, digital, or photogram)

• Judges will focus on originality and creativity; strength of narrative; technical proficiency

• No Nudity

Awards:

• First place: full two-year tuition to SPAO’s College Diploma Program

• Runner-up: one-year tuition to SPAO’s College Diploma Program

• People’s choice: one-year tuition to SPAO’s College Diploma Program

• All three finalists will be featured in SPAO’s Annual and social media

• Public art exhibition for selected finalists

If you have any questions, contact concepts@spao.ca.

Presented by SPAO + FujiFilm Printlife.

SUBMITTING TO SPARK? YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN SPARK PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS.

The SPARK Photography Workshops are an intensive one-week program designed for young photographers eager to strengthen their technical skills and artistic vision. Students participate in shooting sessions, post-production workshops, and group critiques. They explore photographic genres—landscape, architecture, still life, and portraiture—while building a cohesive portfolio.

Program Structure:
Monday – Friday | 10:00AM – 3:00PM
25 hours of instruction

July Session: July 13 - 17, 2026
August Session: August 10 - 14, 2026