Art of Cancer Science Competition
Welcome to the Art of Cancer Science Competition!
Art has the power to tell stories, spark conversations, and bring people together. The Art of Cancer Science Competition is a chance for researchers, faculty, staff, students, and patient-partners to showcase their creativity and share their perspectives on cancer and its impact on individuals and community.
This competition is about celebrating the intersection of science, personal experience, and creativity. Whether you’re inspired by innovative research, personal journeys, or the resilience of those affected by cancer, we encourage you to submit a piece that speaks to you.
All forms of visual art are welcome!
- Your work could be featured on the walls of the Charbonneau Cancer Institute
- Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners
Join us in bringing science, art, and personal stories together in a powerful way and bring colour to the walls of the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute!
Competition Information
Who can participate?
The Art of Cancer Science Competition is open to faculty, staff, students, patient-partners and caregivers.
What kind of art is accepted?
We welcome all types of visual art, except performance or video art. If you’re unsure whether your work meets the competition requirements, please check the detailed description in the competition Terms of Reference.
When and how can I register to participate?
Registration opens March 28, 2025 and closes May 12, 2025.
Register by filling out this form.
How do I submit my artwork?
Once you have registered to participate in the competition, you can submit your completed artwork here. The deadline to submit your artwork is May 26, 2025.
- Digital art pieces can be submitted through the submission form.
- For non-digital (physical) art pieces, a drop-off period will be arranged. More information on drop-off details coming soon.
More information about the competition, including submission guidelines, restrictions, and prizes, can be found in the FAQs.
Participant Checklist
Register to Participate
Register to participate in the competition using the form below.
Create Your Artwork
For more information on submission guidelines, such as size, content, material and format restrictions, please visit our FAQ section below.
Important Dates
Frequently Asked Questions
2D artwork must fit within specific frame aspect ratios, with the largest allowed size being 24" x 36" (2:3). Additional frame sizes are 16x20” and 8x10” (4:5). Paintings and wall-mounted pieces with added depth must not exceed 36" in height. Sculptures are limited to a maximum size of 18" tall and 18" wide. Please ensure your submission meets these guidelines.
Please submit your pieces in the manner you would like them to be displayed, including framing and hanging measures. If your piece is chosen for long term display, we will coordinate framing for 2D pieces as we have specific frames to be used.
If you are unsure whether your piece satisfies these guidelines, please reach out to us at cancerimaging@ucalgary.ca.
- No live performance, videos, or installation including sound.
- Large or heavy pieces may require approval before submission.
- Digital art must be submitted in TIFF, PDF, PNG, or JPG and must be at least 1920 pixels on one side and a minimum resolution of 72dpi.
- No hazardous, toxic, flammable, or biohazardous materials.
- No sharp or unsafe objects (e.g., broken glass, exposed nails).
- No organic materials that decay (e.g., food, bodily fluids).
- No pornographic, violent, or excessively graphic imagery.
- No hate speech, discriminatory symbols, or offensive content.
No. AI generated art is expressly prohibited in this competition and noncompliance will result in disqualification.
Winners will be announced August 13 - 15, 2025. Further information regarding the announcement will be provided soon.
Winners will receive prizes that can be redeemed through a list of approved vendors. This allows winners to choose a reward that best suits their needs while celebrating their artistic achievement.
Prize values for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place will be awarded accordingly.
Only finalists and winners will have their work displayed long term at the Charbonneau Cancer Institute. Additional selected pieces may be featured in a temporary exhibition.
Yes, consider your art on loan to the Charbonneau Cancer Institute. You retain full copyright and are granting the facility the right to display it.
The Charbonneau Cancer Institute will take reasonable care in handling and displaying all submitted artwork; however, we do not accept liability for any damage, loss, or theft that may occur while the artwork is in our care. Participants submit and display their work at their own risk.
If you have additional questions, please contact us at cancerimaging@ucalgary.ca.
