Short Description
The human need to gather and find joy in connection is as strong as ever. City spaces provide an unparalleled backdrop for planned and chance human encounters and exchanges that sustain and propel society forward. Whether in grand public squares, intimate cafés, bustling markets, neighborhood parks or civic halls, urban spaces remain the heartbeat of human interaction. In this era of digital saturation and increased isolation, the need to connect, exchange ideas, and celebrate moments has never been more profound.
The Penn Institute for Urban Research invites photographers and visual storytellers worldwide to participate in our ninth annual Gather: The Power of Place-based Connection photo contest. This year, as we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we also celebrate the essential role cities play in bringing people together.
Urban gathering takes countless forms:
- In parks, where nature and community intertwine.
- In the corridors of academia, where ideas ignite movements.
- On festival streets, where music and culture weave a shared rhythm.
- In stadiums, where strangers become allies in the thrill of the game.
- Along transit lines, where millions share fleeting yet meaningful moments.
- In demonstrations, where citizens speak out for their rights.
- Around dinner tables, where food becomes the medium for connection.
Eligibility
Submit your best photos or videos (1 minute or less) that capture how cities bring people together: To learn. To connect. To celebrate. To play. To indulge. To protest. To care. To grow. To move. To transform.
How to Apply
To enter via Instagram, mention @penniur in the caption of your post. Please include a short description of the photo, the date and location of the photo, and the hashtag #PennIURPhotoContest. If you do not use social media, email your submission with the subject line “Penn IUR Photo Contest Submission: Gather.”
Program Benefits & Awards
Grand Prize: $500
Entry Fee
None
Location
Philadelphia, United States
Timeline
Application deadline: 15 April 20225
Website Link: https://penniur.upenn.edu/media/news/photo-contest-gather-the-power-of-place-based-connection
