Deadline: 02-Feb-2026
The International Competition for Young Artists invites artists aged 18–35 to showcase their work in painting, graphics, or digital art, promoting cultural dialogue and international exchange. Winners will exhibit their work at the State Tretyakov Gallery in Samara, receive professional recognition, and have all exhibition-related expenses covered.
The International Competition for Young Artists provides a platform for young talents to express themselves, engage in cultural dialogue, and connect tradition with modernity. Participants present works addressing social, cultural, and philosophical themes, creating opportunities for international recognition and artistic development.
Objectives
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Promote cultural exchange and interaction among young artists from different countries
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Serve as a bridge between tradition and modernity, past and future
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Showcase artistic expression on socially and culturally significant topics
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Provide professional recognition by an international expert community
Exhibition and Recognition
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Selected works will be exhibited at the branch of the State Tretyakov Gallery in Samara
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Winners attend the exhibition opening and award ceremony
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Professional recognition includes feedback and visibility among international art experts
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Travel, accommodation, and meals for winners are covered by the organizers (with exceptions for foreign participants’ visa and shipping costs, which are reimbursed upon arrival)
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Memorable prizes awarded to winners
Competition Categories
1. Painting
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Mediums: Oil, tempera, acrylic on canvas or cardboard
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Requirements: Independently created, original work specifically for the competition
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Theme: Must reflect the competition theme
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Size: Maximum 175 cm on any side
2. Graphics
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Mediums: Paper or fabric using ink, pen, pencil, liners, soft materials, watercolor, mixed techniques, or engravings on metal, wood, stone, linoleum, silkscreen
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Requirements: Independently created, original work specifically for the competition
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Theme: Must reflect the competition theme
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Size: Maximum 175 cm on any side
3. Digital Art
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Formats: Digital images, GIF art, digital animation, cartoons, comics
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Requirements: Independently created, original work specifically for the competition
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Theme: Must reflect the competition theme
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Duration: Videos, cartoons, or animations must not exceed 3 minutes
Eligibility Criteria
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Age: 18–35 years old
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Status: Students or graduates of art educational institutions, or freelance artists who are institutionally independent
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Open to participants irrespective of nationality, place of residence, or religion
Funding and Expenses
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For local participants, all expenses including visa, artwork delivery, travel, accommodation, and meals during the exhibition are covered
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For foreign participants: winners cover shipping and visa costs upfront, which are reimbursed upon arrival
How to Apply
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Prepare an original work in one of the three categories (Painting, Graphics, Digital Art)
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Ensure the work is independently created and aligns with the competition theme
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Submit application by February 02, 2026
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Include personal information, portfolio, and project description as required by the organizers
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Await notification for Stage 1 selection
Tips for a Strong Application
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Ensure your work directly reflects the competition theme
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Highlight the cultural or social message of your piece
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Follow size, format, and duration requirements for each category
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Present high-quality, professionally executed works
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For foreign participants, prepare shipping and visa documentation in advance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is eligible to participate?
Artists aged 18–35, including students, graduates, or freelance artists, from any country, religion, or residence.
2. What are the competition categories?
Painting, Graphics, and Digital Art (including GIFs, animations, cartoons, and comics).
3. What are the submission requirements?
Works must be original, independently created, specifically for the competition, and reflect its theme.
4. Are travel and accommodation expenses covered?
Yes, for local winners. Foreign winners pay shipping and visa costs upfront, reimbursed upon arrival.
5. What is the maximum size or duration for entries?
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Painting/Graphics: Max 175 cm on any side
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Digital Art: Max 3 minutes for videos, animations, or cartoons
6. How many winners are selected?
14 winners are selected after a three-stage review process.
7. When is the exhibition?
The final works are exhibited, and winners awarded in June 2026 at the State Tretyakov Gallery branch in Samara.
Conclusion
The International Competition for Young Artists is a unique opportunity for young artists to gain international recognition, engage in cultural exchange, and explore meaningful social, cultural, and philosophical themes through art. With full exhibition support and professional acknowledgment, it provides a platform to bridge tradition and modernity while fostering global artistic dialogue.
For more information, visit ART-Podgotovka.