The DC Shorts Film Festival (8-15 September 2011) turns the spotlight on truly independent short films, created by new and established filmmakers in an era when the art of filmmaking is opening to all. DC Shorts Film Festival selects films of every genre and niche for its competition screenings — with a special focus on films created by metropolitan Washington, DC-based directors and writers. In 2009, DC Shorts reviewed more than 850 films and 125 scripts from 34 nations.

Read more about The 8th DC Shorts Film Festival: Film Competition on Contest Watchers.

The Biological Architecture Foundation is calling for proposals for the 2010-2011 edition of its Futuristic Water competition as a part of the 2011 BA Award. The bio-mechanical Futuristic Water competition is the international call for serious ideas for the design of the biological mechanical village or urban quarter of the city – for the city of London. The Futuristic Water competition is open to all students and professionals in design, material sciences, architecture, urban planning, ecology and related professions. International multi-cultured, multidisciplinary teams are strongly encouraged.

Read more about Futuristic Water Competition 2010-2011 on Contest Watchers.

Entries for Nature, Undisturbed 2011 are now being accepted. Black and white, sepia, color, and manipulated images may be entered. This call is open to all photographers 18 and over, amateur or professional. Nature, Undisturbed is a juried nature photography sale exhibition. All exhibitors may sell their work. The artist will receive 50% of the sales price. Cash prizes will be awarded in each category and a People’s Choice Award will be presented.

Read more about Nature, Undisturbed 2011 – Juried Photography Exhibition on Contest Watchers.

Ever wonder what happens to your electronic waste? That old computer or cell phone you discarded? Do you want new electronics in 10 to 20 years? If so, here is your chance to do something about it by creating innovative new uses for existing electronic waste, as well as its future prevention. Through the Second International E-Waste Design Competition, participants are asked to explore solutions to both remediate the existing e-waste problem and prevent e-waste generation in the future.

Read more about Second International E-Waste Design Competition on Contest Watchers.

Triangle Arts is dedicated to advancing the work of emerging and underrepresented visual artists through its short-term workshops and long-term residency programs. The Triangle Artist’s Residency Program provides free studio space to eligible artists for a six month period. Studios are located at 20 Jay Street in Brooklyn, NY. Applications for the 2011 Triangle Arts residency program are now being accepted.

Read more about National and International Residency Program 2011 – Triangle Arts Association on Contest Watchers.

The Pictoplasma Characters in Motion animation festival is an integral part of the biannual Pictoplasma conference on contemporary character design and art. The cultural screenings are organized by Pictoplasma and offer festival visitors and conference participants an overview of international animations, short films and motion graphics, focussing on stylish and fresh character-driven visuals and narratives. Should you be responsible for high-grade characters in animation, narration, music visuals or motion graphics, please don’t hesitate to share them with Pictoplasma.

Read more about Pictoplasma Characters in Motion Animation Festival 2011 on Contest Watchers.

Leading charity Papworth Trust is passionate about supporting disabled people to have more equality, greater choice and increased independence. Papworth Trust has launched its first photography competition, Independence, with prizes including a Sony Handycam DCR-DVD 115E camera worth over £300. The independence theme has been chosen to make the competition as accessible as possible. Interpretations could include running your own life without interference or not relying on someone or something.

Read more about Papworth Trust Photography Competition: Independence on Contest Watchers.

As in previous years, Foam Magazine’s annual fall Talent issue will present the work of young, talented photographers. The editorial board will choose the portfolios according to creative vision and the concept of the series presented, among other criteria. As in the last four years, Foam Magazine’s Fall issue will present the work of photographers worldwide. The selection for Talent 2011 will focus on projects that address the question “What’s Next?”.

Read more about The 5th Annual Foam Magazine Photography Talent Call on Contest Watchers.

The SIGGRAPH 2011 Student Volunteers program wants to put you in a red vest with the network of students who facilitate the needs of the conference and give you the opportunity to meet and learn from industry professionals, artists, and teachers. As a Student Volunteer on SIGGRAPH, you will form relationships with other students that will last for your entire career. The SIGGRAPH Student Volunteers of today are the computer graphics leaders of tomorrow. Students who demonstrate leadership, service, and a passion for computer graphics are encouraged to apply.

Read more about SIGGRAPH 2011 Student Volunteers Program on Contest Watchers.

Optics manufacturer Carl Zeiss launched its 2010 annual global photography competition. This year’s theme is “Light is my language”. Photographers and photo enthusiasts are invited to illustrate and capture the theme from their own perspective. Anyone can participate, provided the images are shot with Zeiss lenses. It doesn’t matter if the picture was taken with an SLR camera or a camera phone.

Read more about Carl Zeiss Photo Contest 2010 on Contest Watchers.