OZARK MEDIA ARTS FESTIVAL
LIGHTS. CAMERA. IMPACT.
CONNECTING EDUCATION TO INDUSTRY
The Grid is Live
The 2026 OMAF Upload Competitions are now open. Secure your spot in the matrix
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
We are proud to announce that our competitions are fully cross-walked with the 2026-2027 Arkansas Career and Technical Education (CTE) Success Ready Pathways. This alignment ensures that student participation directly supports the "Demonstration of Readiness" required for the Arkansas Diploma with Merit.
Our categories are intentionally tiered to match the ADE’s three-level pathway structure:
Level 1 (Foundational): Competitions focusing on technical safety, equipment mastery, and fundamental ethics.
Level 2 (Concentrator): Competitions requiring specialized storytelling, complex workflows, and narrative structure.
Level 3 (Completer): High-level capstone categories focusing on leadership, project management, and industry-ready portfolios.
OMAF categories specifically align with the following leveled pathways within the Arts, Entertainment, & Design cluster:
A/V Tech & Film (Levels 1-3): Focus on Broadcast Journalism, News Gathering, and Live Production.
Digital Cinema (Levels 1-3): Focus on Narrative Storytelling, Cinematic Arts, and Creative Direction.
Radio Broadcasting (Levels 1-3): Focus on Audio Production, Podcasting, and Oral Communication.
Commercial Photography (Levels 1-3): Focus on Technical Exposure, Subject Storytelling, and Professional Composition.
Advertising & Graphic Design (Levels 1-3): Focus on Branding, Layout Design, and Commercial Visual Communication.
Visual Arts & Fashion (Levels 1-3): 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
