Aberrant Creativity — an international competition for artists working with AI, with prizes of up to $800
Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly important part of artistic practice, yet questions of authorship, creativity, and the role of humans in working with algorithms remain open. These questions are at the heart of Aberrant Creativity 2026, an international competition inviting artists from around the world to submit projects created in collaboration with artificial intelligence.
The competition is organized by the Institute for Applied Creativity at Texas A&M University and explores relationships between humans and machines in contemporary art. The focus is on works where AI is not a replacement for the artist but a tool for experimentation, collaboration, research, and the creation of new artistic forms. Selected projects will be presented in an international exhibition in Texas as well as in a virtual exhibition.
Who can apply
The competition is open to artists worldwide who use artificial intelligence in their creative practice.
Submissions are accepted in two categories:
— professional artists;
— college-level students.
All submitted works must be original and must not violate any copyright laws.
What types of work are accepted
Organizers welcome a wide range of artistic practices and technological approaches. Eligible submissions include print works, 2D and 3D digital art, video and other time-based media, interactive and non-interactive installations, VR, AR and Mixed Reality projects, 360° videos, game-based projects, generative art, sculpture, and traditional flat works.
The key requirement is that the work demonstrates a meaningful interaction between the artist and artificial intelligence or explores the relationship between humans and AI in the creative process.
Awards
The jury will present three awards:
— Best in Show — $800;
— Creative Process Award — $500;
— Best Student Award — $300.
In addition to cash prizes, participants gain the opportunity to present their practice to an international audience and contribute to discussions about the future of art and technology.
Exhibition in the USA and online
Selected works will be included in Aberrant Creativity 2026, hosted at the Art Center of Brazos Valley in Texas.
The physical exhibition will run from August 25 to October 17, 2026.
Alongside the physical exhibition, organizers will launch a virtual version of the show. The online exhibition will be accessible worldwide and will open one week after the physical exhibition begins.
What you need to prepare
To participate, applicants must complete the online application form and provide information about their project.
Organizers encourage artists to clearly explain the role of artificial intelligence in their creative process and describe how the interaction between human and technology influences the final outcome of the work.
Why it is worth considering
Unlike many digital art competitions, Aberrant Creativity approaches AI not simply as a technical tool but as a subject of artistic inquiry. The program is particularly relevant for artists working with generative systems, algorithms, interactive environments, and experimental forms of visual art.
Participation offers an opportunity to present work within an international academic context, exhibit both physically and online, and become part of a broader professional conversation about how creativity is evolving in the age of artificial intelligence.
The deadline for applications is 15 June 2026.
