“Women hold up half the sky” is, ironically, a 1968 quote from Chinese Communist Party chairman Mao Zedong. China’s first constitution stipulated that “Women enjoy equal rights with men in political, economic, cultural, education and social life”. Years later that has not translated to top party positions for women, but the expression has been widely adopted by artists and authors around the world to signify the equality of women.

The juror for this competition is the esteemed photographer Aline Smithson, a visual artist best known for her conceptual portraiture and a practice that uses humor and pathos to explore the performative potential of photography.

“I’m so excited to celebrate and shine a light on women in photography through DCP’s current call for entry. Today, women are commanding significant recognition for their profound storytelling and ways of seeing and understanding the world. Our stories are important, and our photographs reflect an expanded and exciting time in photography. For Hold up Half the Sky, we are looking for work by ALL WOMEN regardless of age, experience, education, race, sexual orientation, or location. Our goal is to create an exhibition that reflects a broad array of approaches to creating photographs, i.e. spectacular images that tell our stories, consider our planet, or simply reflect the journey of women in today’s world.” -Aline Smithson

Selections from this competition will be presented in an exhibition in the DCP Gallery in June 2023. Prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place.

Entry fees help support our mission as a 501c3 nonprofit to operate our community gallery and to serve as a focal point for creators and appreciators of all forms of photography through education, mentorship, exhibitions, and community outreach.