Visible is an experimental, open-ended magazine. From personal to systemic challenges, creatives share the invisible parts of their lives — and offer hope for change. Philosophical and theoretical discourse are welcomed but not required. These are the stories from the makers on the vanguard of culture.

About the 2025 Visible Mag Contemporary Art Essay Prize

Writers play a critical role in the art and culture ecosystem. They help us make sense of who we are, how we live, and the goals we aspire to. The 2025 Visible Mag Contemporary Art Essay Prize looks for unexpected insights on art and culture today. In line with the Magazine’s experimental nature, we are happy to accept short essays that reference photography in any way for this year’s prize.

The Essay Prize is a celebration of the diverse perspectives in the arts. You are welcome to address the topic of the Prize from any perspective, such as economic, financial, sociological, historical, political, anthropological, anecdotal, legal, conservation, critical, cultural, Science, Technology, and Society (STS), and transdisciplinary.

The ideal essay for the Prize is around 500 - 1000 words, with no more than 1500 words all inclusive.

Essays by the finalists and winner of the Essay Prize will be published by Visible.

The winner of the Essay Prize will be awarded membership to Visible’s Founding Patron program.

Find out more here

Deadline: 31 December 2025

Image credit: Photo by M.Freddy of Leon Tobin