Veterans Art Center Tampa Bay and FMoPA Call for Submissions: "The Soldier’s Lens" Exhibition Captures the Lived Experiences of Military Life
TAMPA, Fla. (August 5, 2026) — The Veterans Art Center Tampa Bay (VACTB), in partnership with The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA), announces an open call for submissions for The Soldier’s Lens, a curated photography exhibition honoring the courage, complexity, and everyday humanity of military service.
Active-duty service members, veterans, and their immediate families are invited to submit original photographs and video works capturing their personal lived experiences in and around military life. Selected entries will be featured in a curated group exhibition at FMoPA in November 2026, coinciding with Veterans Day observances.
The Soldier’s Lens seeks to amplify personal narratives through visual arts, highlighting moments of intensity, camaraderie, quiet reflection, and resilience.
Call for Submissions & Eligibility Requirements
Submissions are currently being accepted through August 28, 2026.
Eligibility: Open to active-duty military personnel, veterans, and immediate family members (spouses, partners, parents, children, or siblings). All ages are welcome; entrants under 18 must have permission from a parent or legal guardian.
Evaluation Criteria: Entries will be evaluated based on artistic expression, originality, and the ability to convey the emotional and narrative depth of military life.
Format: Original photographic works and video submissions capturing authentic perspectives of military culture, duty, or family life.
How to Submit
Full submission guidelines, image specifications, and entry forms are available online through the Veterans Art Center Tampa Bay and FMoPA portals. All entries must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on August 28, 2026, to be considered for inclusion in the November showcase.
About Veterans Art Center Tampa Bay (VACTB)
Veterans Art Center Tampa Bay provides regional veterans, active-duty military, first responders, and their families with creative resources, artistic opportunities, and community connection. Through structured visual and performance art programs, exhibitions, and workshops, VACTB promotes healing, wellness, and self-expression.
About The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMoPA)
The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts is dedicated to exhibiting central photographic works by national and international artists. Located in Tampa, Florida, FMoPA enriches the community through exhibitions, education, and outreach programs that highlight photography as a vital art form.
https://www.fmopa.org/soldiers-lens/
Applications https://app.entrythingy.com/calls/public/14219/