OZARK MEDIA ARTS FESTIVAL
LIGHTS. CAMERA. IMPACT.
CONNECTING EDUCATION TO INDUSTRY
The New Era of OMAF Begins
Enter the Oasis
This year, we are also debuting our all-new branding. Inspired by the high-octane, immersive world of Ready Player One, the 2026 aesthetic reflects the digital frontier our students are pioneering. As we transition into this new cycle, we are introducing a completely overhauled structure centered around our updated and new categories and the essential crosswalking phase with Arkansas CTE Standards.
🎮 Leveling Up: For Veterans and New Players Alike
Whether you are a "Level 99" pro with years of experience or a "Level 1" beginner picking up a camera for the first time, there is a place for you in the Oasis. OMAF is designed to be a launchpad for every student. Our updated categories are built to recognize growth, creativity, and the courage to start something new.
Don't wait for the perfect project—start your quest on April 1st. Prepare to level up.
✨ Your Avatar: Be Anything You Want To Be
In the world of OMAF, there are no limits to your creative identity. One day you might be a Director; the next, a Fashion Photographer or a Sound Engineer. We believe that you can be anything you want to be. OMAF is a safe space to experiment, swap "avatars," and discover hidden talents. You aren't defined by one class or one skill—you are defined by your vision.
🛠️ Beyond the Competition: The OMAF Workshops
While the trophies are a thrill, OMAF isn't just about competing. It’s about the Experience Points (XP) you gain along the way. Our festival is packed with hands-on workshops led by industry professionals. These sessions are designed to help you sharpen your craft, network with peers, and learn new technologies. Whether you win an award or not, you will leave OMAF with new skills to add to your inventory.
🌐 Open Entry: All Programs Welcome
While our new alignment provides a rigorous framework for CTE programs, OMAF remains an inclusive festival open to ALL programs. You do not need to be enrolled in a formalized CTE pathway to participate.
We welcome EAST programs, art clubs, independent creators, and any student with a passion for these creative fields. Whether you are following a state-mandated curriculum or exploring these technologies through project-based learning, your participation and unique perspective are vital to the Oasis. This inclusivity is the heartbeat of our festival, ensuring every student has the chance to showcase their mastery.
🎓 Arkansas CTE Standards Alignment
To support our participants in formalized pathways, our competitions are now officially cross-walked with Arkansas Career and Technical Education (CTE) Standards. This alignment follows the statewide revisions implemented for the 2025-2026 school year, representing a significant milestone for our programs.
Pathway Alignment & Student Impact This ensures that student participation directly supports classroom learning objectives and state-mandated competencies. By formalizing this link, OMAF serves as a real-world extension of the CTE curriculum, validating the hard work done in labs and studios across the state.
Our categories specifically align with the following pathways:
A/V Tech & Film (493640): Focus on Broadcast Journalism, News Gathering, and Live Production.
Radio Broadcasting (493660): Focus on Audio Production and Oral Communication.
Digital Cinema (493650): Focus on Narrative Storytelling, Cinematic Arts, and Creative Direction.
Commercial Photography (493670): Focus on Technical Exposure, Subject Storytelling, and Professional Composition.
Advertising & Graphic Design (493700): Focus on Branding, Layout Design, and Commercial Visual Communication.
Visual Arts/Fashion (494350): Focus on Fashion Photography, Apparel Aesthetics, and Visual Merchandising.
📅 The Milestones You Need to Know: Non-Negotiable Dates
To ensure a smooth transition and eligibility for the 2026 season, please mark your calendars with these firm deadlines. There will be no extensions provided for the following milestones:
April 1: OFFICIAL KICKOFF. Submissions & "Of the Year" Nominations Open. All new categories go live.
September 4: Final Upload Deadline. All materials must be submitted by this date to be considered for adjudication.
September 15: Winner Notifications. Check your portal for official results.
October 6-7: OMAF 2026 in Downtown Springdale. Join us for the culminating celebration and industry showcase.
No matter your experience level, the game is on.
Convention Recap
2025
DISCOVER WHAT OMAF HAS TO OFFER
Ozark Media Arts Festival is the premiere festival in the Midwest showcasing video, photography graphic design, and print journalism from middle, junior, and high school students. Students can:
Compete in upload + onsite competitions
Attend a college, career, and tech expo
Attend industry-led workshops in broadcast, film, production, photography, graphic design, and business
Build strong connections and networks to enable a sustainable pathway from education to industry
ABOUT OMAF
16 YEAR IMPACT
ATTENDEES IN DOWNTOWN SPRINGDALE
11,000 +
VENDORS FROM INDUSTRY AND EDUCATION
100 +
DONATED IN MONEY AND PRIZES TO OMAF WINNERS
$70,000 +
VISION AND MISSON
The Ozark Media Arts Festival will focus on the youth in the Midwest, encouraging the digital mediums and arts to flourish in the hearts and minds of students by providing pathways to employment and a means of funding for after school and summer programs, a mentoring program and venue for young artists to show and perform their work
Develop pathways to employment after graduation
Invest in programs through funding and equipment donation
Ozark Media Arts Festival is free to enter and free to attend
