Attention, artists of the cannabis community! It’s officially time for another
, and now the annual, internationally-known art competition is accepting submissions for this year’s round.The Natural Cannabis Company created
in 2014 as a crowd-sourcing solution to packaging design. Since then, High Art has gained momentum year after year, with more than 140 countries and thousands of entries vying for the top prizes each year. Professional and amateur artists are invited to create themed through a variety of mediums for a chance at $15,000 in first-place prize money, in addition to seeing their artwork featured on packaging; social media; at the High Art Gallery in Santa Rosa, California and displayed at prestigious art events around the world.The contest officially began Feb. 20 and runs for 30 days; entry is open through March 20, 2023, to anyone over the age of 18 from anywhere in the world. This year marks the 10th year of the High Art Competition, and the theme is Love.
“We need more love in the world, and we want to put it out there,” a Natural Cannabis Company
explains. “… Just love in general, you guys. It doesn’t have to be hearts; it doesn’t have to be pink; it doesn’t have to be flower, have any weed in it. Just, what do you love? What signifies love for you? Is it people? Is it things? Is it a place? Like, what is your passion? And show us that. Show us your love.”Entrees don’t have to explicitly display cannabis, either — any
nods are welcome. The website expands, “We would prefer that your artwork include the annual theme and references to cannabis, magic mushrooms, or other psychedelic experiences, but it is not a requirement.”
High Art Contest Grand Prize + Donation
Seven judges will oversee the contest this year, and the top 150 finalists will be announced April 9. The top 150 finalists will be notified via the email address used at time of submission and must complete a form in order to accept their placement. The top 150 also have the option to share their piece on the High Art Gallery website.
The final winners will be announced on April 20, 2023.
It’s free to enter, and artists can submit as many works as they’d like that fit the theme. Artists are also allowed to submit works created before the contest started.
First place takes home $15,000 and a $10,000 donation made in the winner’s name to one of the following
of their choice: Amnesty International, UNICEF, PETA, Doctors Without Borders, The International Red Cross or The International Campaign to Ban Landmines. Second place takes home $5,000, third place $2,500, fourth and fifth places $1,000 and sixth through 20th place take home $500.There will also be a Secret Five Award Winners, given to five pieces for categories chosen at random by the judges each year, each with a $500 prize. These categories are developed after the final 150 are chosen.
For non-artists or those who want to support in other ways, High Art also features artists from previous years on their website via merchandise, and a portion of those sales goes directly back to those creators.
“The participation has just been amazing,” Natural Cannabis Company’s Dona Frank said in the pre-launch video. “Every year it just gets better and better. […] I don’t think we could be more grateful.”
For more information and to submit, check out the official contest page
, and keep up with High Art on .