Overarching Theme: 2024 – 2026

by THE ARTISTS FORUM

Competitions     >    Themes


OVERARCHING THEME – 2024, 2025, 2026
Legacies of Power: Access, Identity, and the Forces That Shape Our World

This three-year exploration examines the enduring legacies of colonialism and imperialism in shaping modern systems of power, opportunity, and identity. From the emerging dynamics of techno-feudalism to the barriers and pathways of access, and the deeply ingrained biases of colorism, featurism, and racial discrimination, we invite artists to interrogate the structures that define our world. Through diverse perspectives, this overarching theme seeks to illuminate the forces that sustain inequality and inspire bold visions of inclusion and equity in a rapidly evolving global landscape.


Yearly Theme Submissions
Each year focuses on a distinct aspect of this theme: 2024 explored Techno-Feudalism, 2025 will delve into Access, and 2026 will examine Colorism, Featurism, and Racial Bias. Artists are invited to submit works that align with the current year’s focus, contributing to a dynamic and thought-provoking exploration of the forces shaping individual and collective experiences.


2024 THEME: TECHNO-FEUDALISM
THE ARTISTS FORUM invited artists to showcase interpretations for the phrase: Techno-Feudalism.

Techno-Feudalism, a recently coined term by Greek economist and politician Yanis Varoufakis, refers to the transformation of capitalism by tech platforms and the exploitation of the labor force through new technologies. In this system, workers are expected to provide their own infrastructure—such as computers, car repairs, insurance, or other tools—necessary to perform their jobs, while employers reap the profits. This model highlights a growing inequality, where workers must bear the costs of the very resources that enable them to work, further entrenching the power imbalance between labor and tech-driven capital.

Additionally, the theme acknowledged the existence of Tech-Deserts—areas where lack of reliable access to technology limits people’s ability to work, engage with digital platforms, or access information. These disparities restrict opportunities for participation in the broader economy and society.

An expansion on this concept also included the manipulation of media to serve political agendas. For instance, bots used to create divisiveness on niche topics, fostering political unease or shaping public opinion through engineered content.

Note: While submissions aligned with our theme are preferred, we also accepted non-theme related works.

See Juried Competition finalists and winners: TAF Juried Arts Festival: 2024
See Film Fest official selections, nominees, and winners: TAF Festival of the Moving Image: 2024


2025 THEME: ACCESS
THE ARTISTS FORUM invites artists to showcase interpretations for the word: Access.

This theme explores the systems of power that shape inclusion and exclusion in society. By examining the barriers, opportunities, and struggles for equity, autonomy, and belonging, artists are encouraged to question who gains access, who is excluded, and what the consequences are.

Through this lens, the theme highlights how historical and systemic legacies of power continue to impact individuals and communities. We seek works that challenge inequities, envision pathways to inclusion, and reflect on the transformative possibilities of expanding access in a rapidly evolving world.

The Call-For-Entries for Spoken Word and Choreography begins January 17th: TAF Juried Arts Festival: 2025

The Call-For-Entries for our Festival of the Moving Image: 2025 begins Mid-March 2025.


2026 THEME: COLORISM, FEATURISM, AND RACIAL BIAS

THE ARTISTS FORUM invites artists to showcase interpretations for the theme: Colorism, Featurism, and Racial Bias.

This theme examines the enduring legacies of power and hierarchy embedded in societal perceptions of physical appearance, including skin tone, facial features, and racial identity. It invites an exploration of how these biases are shaped by colonial histories and systemic inequalities, continuing to influence access, identity, and opportunity today.

Through this theme, we aim to challenge artists to interrogate the structures that sustain discrimination while celebrating resilience and diversity. By reflecting on the intersections of colorism, featurism, and racial bias with identity and justice, this theme contributes to a broader conversation about dismantling inequities and envisioning a world rooted in inclusion and equity.

The Call-For-Entries for our Juried Arts Festival: 2026 begins in early 2026.
The Call-For-Entries for our Festival of the Moving Image: 2025 also begins in early 2026.


Theme Graphic promotional images are from these award-winning works:
1: “Crucifiga” by Erika O’Neill & Simon Hjortek
2: “Where are You Really From?” by Carlos Andres Gomez
3: “Right : Now” by Xiaoyuan Zhang
4: “Memo Inc.” by the Neymarc Brothers
5: Loft and Found” by Pete O’Hare, Phillip Kibbe, and Zach Weiss


THE ARTISTS FORUM JURIED ARTS COMPETITIONS are open to artists of multiple genres seeking to gain exposure in the New York City and international music and media markets.

Its mission is to provide an accessible platform for creators to present their best work for juried selection, increase artist communication and business contacts, provide career advancement opportunities, and publicly acknowledge talented artists in an industry-saturated arena. 

Each submission, reviewed by a panel of industry professionals, is rated upon its individual merits. Finalists in each category are judged against one another and a winner declared.

All selected finalists are eligible for a television studio or Zoom interview to be promoted on our online platforms and via THE ARTISTS FORUM TELEVISION – a 25+ year arts based television program broadcasted from mid-town Manhattan in New York City.


THE ARTISTS FORUM, now in its 26th year, is a New York City based non-profit arts service organization specializing in events, juried competitions, and media for artists. The organization provides an unparalleled platform for emerging and mid-career artists to share their stories with the world’s creative communities.

Follow @theartistsforum:
FacebookTAF film fest on FacebookInstagramTwitterThreads, Linkedin, Pinterest, Youtube, Vimeo, and Tiktok
Hashtags: #theartistsforum #theartistsforumfilmfest #theartistsforumjuriedarts #legaciesofpower #technofeudalism #access #colorismfeaturismracialbias #colorism #featurism #racialbias

Leave a Comment