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Artistic Data: Inspired by Information
Have you ever seen data presented in a way so dull that you lost interest in both the information and its message? It doesn't have to be that way. As seekers of truth, we strive to discover, interpret, and communicate what we learn. Through thoughtful design and artistic expression, data can become both impactful and beautiful, revealing hidden patterns, relationships, and insights.
Your challenge: Visualize a data set in an artistic way. Create an original image inspired by data that helps viewers discover a pattern, story, relationship, or insight they might not otherwise see. We are looking for artistic, data-driven works that combine creativity with meaningful interpretation. Your submission should function primarily as an artistic visualization rather than an infographic, research poster, or dashboard. AI tools may be used, but are not required.
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Eligibility
- This competition is open to all currently enrolled Brigham Young University students.
- Students may submit an entry individually or as a group (awards will be shared among group members).
- There is no limit to the number of entries a student may submit; however, each participant is eligible to receive only one prize.
- Entries must be original works inspired by real data. Data may come from your own research or from publicly available datasets.
- Entries should reflect the competition theme, Artistic Data: Inspired by Information.
- AI tools may be used as part of the creative process but are not required. If AI is used, participants should indicate how it contributed to the final work.
Photo requirements
- A title
- A brief artist statement (200–1000 characters) describing:
- the data source(s),
- the insight, story, or pattern the artwork reveals, and
- how the data inspired the artistic design.
- Entries may use data visualization, illustration, mapping, digital design, generative methods, or other artistic approaches, provided the final submission is a high-resolution digital image.
- Keep text within the artwork to a minimum. Titles, labels, and other text may be included when they are an intentional part of the design, but lengthy explanations should be reserved for the artist statement.
- If your artwork requires a legend or key, you may provide it separately in the designated section of the submission form rather than including it in the artwork. The artwork should be able to stand on its own as the primary visual piece.
- Images may be any aspect ratio. Minimum resolution is 7.2 megapixels; 12 megapixels or higher is recommended. Selected entries will be printed and displayed in the Harold B. Lee Library.
- By submitting an entry, participants grant the library permission to display their work electronically and in physical exhibits.
Rubric
| Overall Impact | 0-2 points | 3-6 points | 7-10 points | /10 |
| Neither the data nor the image evoke an emotional/aesthetic response and are not particularly interesting. | Either the data or the image may draw some interest, but together evoke a weak emotional/aesthetic response or do not cause the viewer to think in a new way about the data. | The image evokes an emotional/aesthetic response, tells a captivating story and/or causes the viewer to think in a new way about the data. | ||
| Caption Impact | 0-2 points | 3-6 points | 7-10 points | /10 |
| The data cannot be confidently interpreted accurately. Provided information is unclear or inaccurate. No data source is provided. | Data interpretation takes effort. Some information may not be clear. The source of the data is unclear. | The data can be clearly and easily interpreted. The caption provides additional information needed to understand the image where needed. The data is accurate and a source is provided. | ||
| Composition | 0-2 points | 3-6 points | 7-10 points | /10 |
| The image quality is poor, or little attention is paid to the use of space, imagery, or color; or one of these distracts from the image. | The image quality is good. Some aspects of the space, imagery, and color are not particularly appealing. | The image is high quality. Use of space, imagery, and color have been well considered and are visually appealing. | ||
| Total | /30 |