Photo competition
“Is that already sustainable?”
Submission of contributions by 31.05.2026
Exhibition + award ceremony
Saturday, 20.06.2026
Ilmenau Science Night at the University Library of the TU Ilmenau
Exhibition until the beginning of August in the University Library of the TU Ilmenau
“Is this already sustainable?” – Ilmenau photo competition
What does sustainability actually mean in everyday life – and how do we really recognize it?
With the “Is this already sustainable?” photo competition, we are inviting you to explore precisely this question. We are looking for photographic perspectives on sustainable – or deliberately unsustainable – situations that inspire reflection and open up new perspectives.
The competition was organized as part of the Sustainability Days 2026 at the Ilmenau University of Technology and is aimed at anyone who wants to creatively capture their view of sustainability – whether they have a lot of experience or are simply interested in photography and social issues.
The aim is to make sustainability visible and tangible – not abstractly, but very concretely in everyday life, on campus and in our surroundings.
© Photo by Mathias Sommer
Making sustainability visible – discovering perspectives
Sustainability is a term that is often used – and yet understood in different ways. Many perspectives arise between the environment, society and personal behavior: What is already sustainable? Where is there still a need for action? And how does this manifest itself in everyday life?
This is exactly where the photo competition comes in. Since its launch as part of the Sustainability Days 2026, students, employees and interested parties from Ilmenau and beyond have been invited to explore the topic photographically.
Whether deliberately staged or discovered by chance – images are in demand that:
- stimulate reflection
- Making contrasts visible
- Ask questions or give answers
The competition sees itself not only as a creative platform, but also as an impulse for exchange and discussion about sustainable action.
The submitted contributions will be presented at the Ilmenau Science Night will be presented to the public. An exhibition will be set up in the university library (Leibniz Building) to show how diverse sustainability can be perceived.
Together, this creates an overall visual picture that unites different perspectives – from small everyday moments to larger social issues.
Prices
Prices
250 €
2nd place
150 €
3rd place
100 €
provided by
© by Tom Sauer
The photo competition “Is this already sustainable?” | Ilmenau is a joint event of the Photo Working Group of KuKo e.V., the Sustainability Working Group of the Student Council of Ilmenau University of Technology and the Sustainability Task Group of Ilmenau University of Technology.
