The Jamaica Visual Arts Competition & Exhibition accepts entries each year in June from Jamaican artists six years and older. The competition is not based on any theme whatsoever. This means that the competition is open to entries made of any medium. Submitted artworks may be realistic, abstract, naturalistic, experimental, or traditional in their visual presentation. Artists may submit creative work made of any material, or expressing any creative idea, once these are not lewd, violent, misogynistic, discriminatory, or otherwise socially problematic.         

Entries are accepted in the month of June in thirteen creative categories, including Ceramics, Collage, Digital Illustration, Drawing, Fashion Design, Fiber Art, Jewelry, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Textiles, and Text-Based Designs. To submit an entry, artists are required to register at https://jcdc.awardsplatform.com, and follow the steps outlined. We also encourage artists to read our handbook before submitting an entry.

Submissions for the competition are reviewed over several rounds by panels of expert adjudicators in the months of July and August. The best artworks are awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in the final adjudication round. Outstanding artists who receive multiple medals are also recognized for their creative effort, and talent. The winners of medals and awards are announced at our annual Awards Ceremony in October.

Also launched in October are the exhibitions of medal winning artworks, which take place at various display sites across the island until the end of November. The exhibitions are accompanied by a range of programming activities, including tours, seminars, and workshops. Apart from the national exhibitions, outstanding artists will also have JCDC-curated opportunities to showcase their creations at upcoming art fairs, and media engagements.