Nuclear Pop! Redefining Nuclear Energy in Popular Culture
Selected works will be showcased at the IAEA's International Conference on Stakeholder Engagement for Nuclear Power Programmes in Vienna (May 26-30, 2025), putting your art at the center of a global conversation about nuclear energy's future.
Let nuclear be the hero of the story, as it is in real life! Your creative work can showcase nuclear's impact through any visual medium - digital art, animation, comics, video, or beyond.
Concepts & Inspiration
From "D'oh!" to "Whoa!"
- Transform bumbling plant workers into the skilled professionals they really are
- Show the diverse faces and expertise behind nuclear innovation
From Mutant Fish to Thriving Ecosystems
- Flip the script on environmental impact narratives
- Reveal how nuclear energy protects rather than harms our planet
From Meltdown to Marvel
- Challenge disaster-focused storytelling
- Reveal how nuclear saved millions by replacing coal
From Toxic Green to Clean Energy Blue
- Reimagine the visual language of nuclear energy
- Show the true face of the power that could save our climate
Explore these or similar concepts through your own unique creative vision and ideas. Your submission can directly challenge stereotypes, create new positive narratives, or highlight real-world applications that are often overlooked in popular media. All forms of creative expression are welcome as we work to transform the image of nuclear energy and showcase its true power and potential.
Eligibility
- The contest is open to people of all ages and skill levels.
- Participants must be from an IAEA Member State.
- Participants may submit multiple entries. Only one prize eligible per participant.
Awards & Prizes
- First Place: $3,000
- Second Place: $2,000
- Third Place: $1,000
- Ten (10) Finalist Gift Cards: $100 each to the Generation Atomic store
Additional Benefits:
- Potential feature in a magazine/blog
- Selected work will be exhibited at the IAEA International Conference on Stakeholder Engagement for Nuclear Power Programmes
- One finalist will be invited to attend the IAEA International Conference on Stakeholder Engagement for Nuclear Power Programmes (travel expenses covered)
- Selected work will be showcased on the IAEA and Generation Atomic websites
Submission Requirements
Acceptable Formats
- Digital Art
- Illustrations
- Comic Books
- Paintings
- Other Visual Media
Technical Specifications
- Static Visual Work: JPEG, PNG, or PDF (max 25MB)
- Video/Animation: MP4 or MOV (max 5 minutes, 500MB)
- Interactive/Web: Provide accessible link and documentation
- Physical Artwork: High-quality documentation through photos/video
- All visual documentation must be well-lit and clear
All required materials are listed in the submission form
Special Considerations
AI Usage Guidelines
- AI tools may be used to assist in the creative process but cannot be the sole creator. Works that are 100% AI-generated will not be accepted.
- All AI assistance must be explicitly disclosed in the artist statement.
- This disclosure should include which elements were created with AI assistance, which AI tools were used, and how AI was incorporated.
- Failure to disclose AI usage will result in disqualification.
Fan Art
- We welcome creative interpretations of existing works that “transmute” the source material.
- You may put a nuclear science spin on familiar characters or stories, challenge common tropes, or create new stories inspired by nuclear-themed media.
- Please note your inspirations in your artist statement and ensure your work adds new creative elements.
Judging Criteria
Panel Composition
- Six judges representing diverse geographic regions
- Expertise in art, communications, and sciences
Evaluation Rubric
| Criterion | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Narrative & Creative Impact | 40% | How effectively does the work challenge stereotypes and tell a compelling story? |
| Artistic Merit | 35% | Quality of execution, technical skill, and innovative approach |
| Scientific Relevance | 25% | Connection to real-world nuclear applications and benefits |
Intellectual Property Rights
- Artists retain IP rights
- Competition administrators and the IAEA may reproduce/display artwork with credit
- Artist name will always accompany artwork usage
- Signed agreement required upon submission
Submission Process
Submit all materials using this link.
All entries will be compiled and reviewed after the submission deadline.
For additional information or questions, contact: gayatri@generationatomic.org
