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Tampa Artist Advances in Johnny Depp’s People’s Artist Competition, Pledges Entire $25,000 Grand Prize to Charity
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Tampa Artist Advances in Johnny Depp’s People’s Artist Competition, Pledges Entire $25,000 Grand Prize to Charity
TAMPA, Fla. (June 15, 2026) — Tampa artist, filmmaker, and business leader Eric Polins has advanced to the Quarter-Finals of The People’s Artist, a national art competition presented by Johnny Depp, and is calling on the Tampa Bay community to help turn a potential $25,000 grand prize into a charitable donation benefiting The Art of Elysium.
Polins, Managing Partner and Chief Creative Officer of HCP Associates, has publicly pledged to donate 100 percent of the competition’s $25,000 grand prize directly back to The Art of Elysium if he is selected as the overall winner.
Presented by actor, musician, and visual artist Johnny Depp, The People’s Artist competition celebrates artists from across the country while supporting The Art of Elysium, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing creativity, comfort, and healing through the arts to individuals facing significant life challenges.
“At this point, this isn’t about me,” said Polins. “Like every artist in this competition, I want my work to be seen and appreciated. But if I am fortunate enough to win, every dollar of the $25,000 prize will go directly back to The Art of Elysium. That’s the goal. That’s what I’m fighting for.”
For more than three decades, Polins has built a career as a storyteller, filmmaker, creative director, and strategic communications professional. Through HCP Associates, he has helped organizations, nonprofits, businesses, and communities throughout Florida and the country tell their stories and create meaningful impact.
Away from the boardroom, Polins has developed a growing body of mixed-media artwork that combines original illustration, painting, photography, typography, and hand-cut imagery to explore themes of memory, music, family, identity, and the moments that shape our lives. His work has been described as layered visual storytelling that invites viewers to discover new details and personal connections with every viewing.
The artist’s pledge to donate the entire grand prize was first announced through a nationally distributed news release and has since attracted support from friends, clients, fellow artists, business leaders, and community members throughout Tampa Bay and beyond.
Now entering the Quarter-Finals, Polins is asking supporters to cast free daily votes (or donate) and help spread the word about the charitable mission behind his campaign.
“I’ve spent most of my professional life helping others tell their stories,” Polins said. “This opportunity allows all of us to tell a bigger story, one about creativity, generosity, and the belief that art can genuinely make a difference in people’s lives.”
The competition’s grand prize includes a $25,000 cash award, a feature in Artforum Magazine, and an exclusive exhibition opportunity with The Art of Elysium in Los Angeles.
Community members can support the effort by casting a free daily vote or making a contribution through the competition platform, with proceeds supporting The Art of Elysium and its programs.
Vote and learn more:
https://peoplesartist.org/2026/eric-polins
View Eric Polins’ artwork:
