The International Science & Engineering Visualization Challenge 2010 - "Researchers are generating mind-boggling volumes of data at exponentially increasing rates. The ability to process that information and display it in ways that enhance understanding is an increasingly important aspect of the way scientists communicate with each other and—especially—with students and the general public. That's why, for the past 8 years, Science and the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) have co-sponsored annual challenges to promote cutting-edge efforts to visualize scientific data, principles, and ideas. This year's awardees span scales from nanoparticles to colliding galaxies, and from microseconds to millennia."
posted by Blazecock Pileon on Feb 19, 2011 - 9 comments

Finalists for the first-ever Vimeo Awards, culled form over 6500 submissions, these are the 45 finalist films in 9 categories.
posted by crunchland on Sep 22, 2010 - 10 comments

The day you have been waiting for all year has arrived: the 2010 winners of the Gowanus Studio Space Jell-O Mold Competition have been announced!
posted by emilyd22222 on Jul 12, 2010 - 8 comments

Andrew WK battles Gonzales: A cutting contest like no other. [more inside]
posted by Potomac Avenue on Jul 1, 2010 - 9 comments

The Superset: Who is the superest hero of them all.
posted by chunking express on Oct 23, 2007 - 38 comments

This is James Savage's spare room, which contains one hundred Apple computers. He has more than 150 in his house and all of them are working perfectly, from an Apple II+ and a Lisa to the latest MacBook Pro. (One entrant among many in Gizmodo's Best Computer Rig contest.)
posted by Blazecock Pileon on Oct 4, 2007 - 53 comments

A hoax that embarrassed the art world: Pavel Jerdanowitch and the Disumbrationist School of Painting . This "joke on the art critics" was perpetrated by Paul Jordan-Smith, a former pastor who had left his calling after being charged with heresy. He went on to become a writer, editor and journalist, and in 1924 he decided to commit blasphemy against "the strange gods of modern art." The Pavel Jerdanowitch Painting Contest was inspired by the hoax. "The challenge is to produce the worst painting every painted." It's not too late to submit your own entry for 2007. You can check out last year's entries, including the "loser" (winner), for inspiration.
posted by amyms on Mar 24, 2007 - 35 comments

The Singular Image recognizes outstanding individual photographs in color and black and white. Center, formerly known as the Santa Fe Center for Photography, was founded in 1994. Center is a nonprofit organization that honors, supports and provides opportunity for gifted and committed photographers. Our programs bring exposure to worthy photographic projects and series, and create fellowship among photographers and influential members of the photographic community. (some images NSFW)
posted by ColdChef on Feb 28, 2007 - 4 comments

The ATF has sponsored an art contest for the children of its employees. Some of the children depicted their parents as heroes. Others seemed to tell a story that’s a bit more grim. Still others were truly elliptical or perplexing. Oh, and the turtle. [via.]
posted by dersins on Mar 22, 2006 - 48 comments

Some of the results from the city of Vancouver's Art Underfoot contest. "The competition invited anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in Vancouver to submit design ideas for new manhole covers..."
posted by dobbs on Sep 16, 2004 - 11 comments

iris wow check out this 5k contest finalist. beautifiul work.
posted by bvanveen on Apr 9, 2000 - 17 comments