PhotoSpiva is a national competition hosted annually by Spiva Center for the Arts in Joplin, Missouri. Founded in 1977, PhotoSpiva has become the longest-running photographic competition of its kind in the U.S. As stated by the founders, the objective of PhotoSpiva is to “present an exhibition of excellence in photography, celebrating the scope and vigorous activity of today’s contemporary photographers.”

Co-Founder Jim Mueller stated, “We have intentionally avoided any categorization of either photographers or their work in setting forth the criteria for this competitive.” PhotoSpiva welcomes any photographic process as long as it is original artwork and has not been previously exhibited at Spiva Center for the Arts. This philosophy has created an unbiased forum for exhibiting and educating photographers. The PhotoSpiva prospectus, promotional materials and exhibition brochures are distributed to professional photographers, emerging artists, educators, students, and amateur photography enthusiasts throughout the United States.

PhotoSpiva 2012 will be juried by Andrew L. Moore.

PhotoSpiva 2012 is presented with financial assistance from the Friends of St. Avips, Joplin Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.