Call for Submissions

Reclaiming Play

The Art & Writing call for submissions invites participants to explore the theme "Reclaiming Play" through creative prompts and personal reflections. Applicants can explore:

  • What does "play" mean to you as an adult?

  • How can you bring more playfulness and joy into your daily life?

  • What are the barriers that prevent you from playing, and how can you overcome them?

  • What childhood activities brought you the most joy, and how can you adapt them to your adult life?

  • How does reconnecting with your childlike wonder impact your well-being, creativity, and relationships?

LITTLE GIRL REVIVAL ZINE

ZINE VALUES:

  • Authenticity: Sharing genuine stories and experiences.

  • Creativity: Encouraging innovative and imaginative expression.

  • Playfulness: Celebrating the joy and freedom of childlike wonder.

  • Community: Building connections through shared experiences.

  • Empowerment: Inspiring others to reclaim their own playfulness and joy.

ART & WRITING

Call for submissions

Theme: Reclaiming Play

Little Girl Revival believes in the power of play, creativity, and self-expression to heal and empower adults. We're creating a zine to celebrate these themes and invite you to contribute!

Submitted works will be reviewed by a collective of artists, creatives and play enthusiasts.. Judging criteria will focus on : (1) creativity, (2) originality, (3) emotional expression, and (4) the ability to capture the essence of “Reclaiming Play”.

The contest closes on July 15, 2025

Submissions can explore:

Memories of joyful play

Symbolism of childhood games, toys, or activities

The transformative power of laughter and fun

The feeling of freedom and self-expression through creativity

Portrayals of adults engaging in playful activities

Through art and writing, participants have the opportunity to express how embracing playfulness can lead to greater self-acceptance, resilience, and joy.

Submission Guidelines

Art Submissions

  • Digital submissions only via subit via link above or email info@littlegirlrevival.com

  • Each participant may submit only one artwork.

  • We encourage participants to seek feedback from trusted friends or mentors.

  • Selected artworks will be featured in the Little Girl Revival zine.

  • Participants may submit entries utilizing any 2-D medium: Drawing, watercolor, oil paint, acrylic paint, collages, digital art, mixed media are accepted. (No AI-generated images or photography.)

  • Submissions should be at least 300 DPI.

  • A jury of artists, creatives, and play enthusiasts will carefully review each submission, bringing their expertise and passion for childlike wonder to the process. Judging criteria will focus on: (1) creativity, (2) originality, (3) emotional impact, and (4) the ability to capture the essence of "Reclaiming Play."

  • Each submission must include participant name, email, and a short artist statement about the piece (100 words max).

  • Participants automatically consent to their artwork being used and copied by Little Girl Revival for promotional and/or informational purposes related to the zine.

  • Unfortunately, we cannot return submitted artwork.

Writing Submissions

  • Submissions must be original, unpublished, and written by one person.

  • Each participant may submit only one entry.

  • We encourage participants to seek feedback from trusted friends or mentors.

  • Selected writings will be featured in the Little Girl Revival zine.

  • Each submission should be no more than 750 words.

  • Each submission should be in a .doc or .docx format.

  • We are open to a variety of forms: personal essays, short stories, poems, reflections, creative non-fiction, etc.

  • Submissions will be judged on (1) clarity, (2) originality, (3) emotional impact, (4) connection to the theme of "Reclaiming Play," and (5) overall quality of writing.

  • Each submission must include participants name, email and a short bio (50 words max).

  • Participants automatically consent to their work being used and copied by Little Girl Revival for promotional and.or informational purposes related to the zine.

Want to learn more?

Not ready to submit, but want to stay connected and learn more about future projects and activities? Share your email and let’s stay connected.

Prizes and Recognition

$100 prize

Three selected artists and writers will each receive $100, a feature interview on the Little Girl Revival website and podcast, and a complimentary copy of the zine.

$25 Stipend

In addition to the top prizes, selected artists and writers will receive a $25 stipend and a copy of the zine, in recognition of their valuable contributions to the Little Girl Revival community.

Recognition

All selected artists and writers will be featured on the Little Girl Revival website and social media.

The contest closes on July 15. Decisions made end of July and winners notified in August.