2026 Guidelines

Overview & Theme

Heartland Energy is seeking original photography that captures the people, places, infrastructure, and unique character of the public power communities and public institutions we serve. Photographers are encouraged to interpret this theme authentically to tell the story of public power.

Eligibility

Submissions are open to anyone, but the photograph must be taken within one of the following eligible customer locations

• Iowa: Akron, Auburn, Stanhope
• Minnesota: Grove City, Lake Crystal, Madelia, New Ulm, Truman, Tyler
• Nebraska: Valentine
• South Dakota: Arlington, Aurora, Bryant, Colman, Estelline, Groton, Hecla, Howard, Langford, Madison, McLaughlin, Miller, Parker, Plankinton, Sioux Falls, Tyndall, Volga, Wessington Springs, White
• Public Institution: Northern State University, South Dakota State University, University of South Dakota

Submission Rules

• Limit and Format: Max 3 entries per person in JPEG format (longest side: 1800 pixels); color or B&W accepted.
• Authenticity: Must be original photography. No AI-generated images are permitted.
• Required Details: Each entry must include the photographer’s name, contact info, photo title, exact location, and a brief description explaining how it represents public power and/or the community/public institution.
• Submission Deadline: Digital entries must be uploaded to the portal no later than Friday, November 13, 2026.

Jury & Selection

An independent, three-person panel (one Heartland board member, one staff member, and one local professional photographer) will evaluate submissions anonymously. Up to 6 photographs will be selected based on quality, originality, and cohesive storytelling.

Compensation & Display

• Award: Selected artists will receive $250 per chosen photograph upon receipt of the physical artwork.
• Delivery Window: Selected photographers will be notified on November 30, 2026. Finished, professionally framed physical artwork must be received at Heartland (432 SE 12th Street, Madison, SD 57042) by Friday, January 8, 2027.
• Exhibition: Winning artwork will be displayed as part of a curated, biennial collection at Heartland’s Madison, SD headquarters for approximately two years.
• Delivery & Return: Photographers are responsible for shipping/delivering ready-to-hang artwork to Heartland. Heartland covers return shipping at the close of the two-year exhibition.

Large-Format Exhibition

Selected photographs must be presented as large-format display pieces. The finished piece, including the frame, must meet the following dimensions:

• Width: Between 36 and 60 inches
• Height: Between 18 and 30 inches

Presentation & Framing Requirements

• Printing: Must be professionally printed to maintain high-resolution at a large scale
• Framing: Must be professionally framed
• Hanging: Equipped with a secure wire hanging system
• Prohibited: Absolutely no sawtooth hangers or easel backs will be accepted due to the weight of large-format frames

Legal, Rights & Liability

• Ownership: The photographer retains full copyright and ownership of the image and may continue selling prints independently.
• License Grant: By accepting the cash award, the photographer grants Heartland a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use the image for non-revenue-generating communications (e.g., website, annual reports, social media, public relations). Photographer credit will be provided whenever practical.
• Warranties: By submitting, the photographer warrants they are the original creator, own all legal rights to the piece, and have obtained necessary model/property releases for identifiable subjects.
• Liability: Heartland will exercise reasonable care while handling or displaying artwork in its possession but is not liable for damage or loss incurred during transit or resulting from unstable framing materials.