F The art World - An International Art Competition

Hosted by Unarthodox

The Concept

F The Art World is an international art competition founded by Unarthodox co-founders Maria Kordova and Al Montagna in 2017. Successfully running for three seasons from 2017 to 2019, the competition was built on a simple belief: art belongs to everyone, not just institutions.

Created to provide artists with meaningful exposure, F The Art World offers a unique alternative to traditional juried competitions. Instead of being evaluated by professional critics, submissions are reviewed by a diverse panel of everyday people from different countries and backgrounds, reflecting how art is experienced by the public.

The competition is open to fine artists, photographers, digital artists, graphic designers, and sculptors worldwide. Each season culminates in an exhibition opportunity for the winning artists in New York City, with all artwork sales benefiting the artists directly.

How It's Judged

Our jurors are not professional art critics. They are individuals from different walks of life who share a genuine appreciation for art. We believe that artistic impact extends beyond the expectations of the art establishment and should be evaluated through authentic human connection.

Submissions are assessed primarily on the interpretation, originality, and depth of the chosen theme rather than technical execution alone. While not required, artists are encouraged to draw inspiration from their country, culture, or personal experiences.

The Prize

One winner from each category is awarded participation in a week-long group exhibition at Unarthodox Gallery in Chelsea, New York City.

In addition, all selected participants are featured in a large-scale digital projection presented during the exhibition's opening reception.

Winners receive promotion across Unarthodox's social media channels, newsletter, and media outreach network, providing international visibility and exposure to a broader audience.

ART Show Archives

About Unarthodox

Unarthodox Studios

New York & Miami

Unarthodox is a creative company that designs immersive and interactive art experiences that bring people together through creativity, culture, and human connection.

Founded on the belief that art has the power to inspire, challenge perspectives, and foster meaningful engagement, Unarthodox creates experiences that invite participants to step beyond passive observation and become active creators. Whether through painting, sculpture, music, or multidisciplinary programming, the focus is not only on the artwork produced, but on the experience of creating itself.

Since 2016, Unarthodox has hosted public and private events in New York and Miami, specializing in corporate team-building experiences, cultural programming, and custom event production. The company has worked with thousands of participants and organizations seeking meaningful ways to connect through creativity.

Unarthodox Element

Unarthodox Element is the cultural and educational division of Unarthodox, dedicated to deepening people's relationship with art and culture.

Founded by Maria Kordova, Element was created to make the arts more accessible through exhibitions, lectures, screenings, partnerships, artist talks, and interdisciplinary cultural programming. Its mission is to create opportunities for learning, dialogue, and creative exploration while connecting contemporary audiences with the broader world of art and culture.

Founders

Maria Kordova

Maria Kordova is an entrepreneur, curator, and cultural programmer whose work explores the intersection of art, creativity, and human experience.

With more than fifteen years of experience in the arts and creative industries, she has developed and produced exhibitions, educational programs, immersive experiences, and cultural initiatives for both public audiences and corporate clients. Her projects include the founding of Unarthodox, Unarthodox Element, F The Art World, and numerous independent curatorial collaborations.

Throughout her career, she has created cultural programming and creative experiences for organizations including Google, American Express, McKinsey, EY, and others.

Al Montagna

Al Montagna is a designer, artist, and entrepreneur with more than twenty-five years of experience in branding, visual communication, and creative direction.

After building and leading several successful design agencies, he expanded his practice into fine art, working across photography and mixed media. In 2016, he co-founded Unarthodox, bringing together his backgrounds in design, art, and experiential storytelling to help create the company's distinctive approach to creative engagement.

STAY CONNECTED

While F The Art World is not currently accepting competition submissions, we always welcome opportunities to connect with artists, curators, galleries, collectors, and cultural organizations.

If you'd like to share your work, explore a collaboration, or learn more about future initiatives, we'd love to hear from you.