North Dakota: Governor's Photo Contest

“The Cosmic Connection,” by Daniel Kessel, honorable mention in the Adventure and Recreation category in the 2017 Governor’s Photo Contest

The North Dakota Governor’s Photo Contest for Travel and Tourism is an annual event that recognizes the creative talent of North Dakotans as well as the natural beauty, abundant wildlife, unique places and vibrant communities of the Peace Garden State. The contest, which is open only to photographers who live in North Dakota, is a partnership of the North Dakota Council on the Arts (NDCA), the governor’s office, North Dakota Tourism and AAA. It is designed to help increase tourism to and travel within this large and rural state. In particular, NDCA works with North Dakota Tourism to facilitate the jury process of selecting the winning images. NDCA also helps organize and manage the awards ceremony and subsequent three-month exhibition at the state capitol. The categories for the 2018 contest are Adventure and Recreation, Communities and Events, Fun with Friends and Family, Places to Visit, Scenery, and Wildlife. Submissions will be accepted until the end of August, and winning photos will be announced in October. NDCA Executive Director Kim Konikow can talk more about this collaborative effort.