Below is an archive of past prompts.

You can use this page as inspiration for your submission to the current competition, or as a repository of thoughtful questions. Your choice!

January 8th - February 29th

About the theme

This competition’s theme is Rebirth. Our last theme was change and transition — a transition into a new era, a new life, or a new paradigm. Rebirth necessarily follows change in all contexts, whether that we personal, social, or intellectual. “New year, new me,” as we like to say: transitions in our personal lives seem to coincide with transitions in other areas of life. It is in this spirit that the opening competition for 2024 spotlights the theme of rebirth.

Text submissions*:* Come up with a creation myth for the universe or world we live in.

• Creativity really matters here! As accurate as it might be, we’re not looking for a scientific explanation; let’s leave that up to the scientists! We are looking for a myth. That means storytelling, character development, interactions, and everything a good story contains.
• The creation myth, as outlandish as it may be, should make some sort of sense.
• You can take inspiration from, but not copy other creation myths. We want to know how YOU think about this, not other people.

Visual, media, and performing arts submissions

Prompt: Depict a piece with an aspect of Renaissance artistic/musical/performing innovation, or a piece inspired by another from the same time period.

• The Renaissance was a time of rebirth for the humanities. Demonstrate this with a piece inspired by a work from this era, or a piece that shows renaissance influence.
• Ex. A work inspired by chiaroscuro, a strong contrast between light and dark, would be a great submission to the competition.

October 2 – November 30, 2023

About the theme

This competition’s theme is Fall, not just because it’s in season, but because it represents a time of change and transition. Change is a constant in life. Without undergoing change, we would not have grown into the people we are today — nor will we phase into the people we’re meant to become. When we recognize transition, we form a deeper understanding of ourselves and the ever-changing world around us.