The YICCA International Art Contest 2026 is a prestigious international platform that beckons artists from every corner of the globe to showcase their creative prowess. This global art competition transcends borders and welcomes both seasoned professionals and emerging talents, irrespective of their geographical origins. It provides a vibrant stage for an eclectic array of contemporary artistic expressions, encompassing diverse mediums such as drawings, paintings, sculptures, photographs, graphics, mixed media, video installations, and captivating performances. This artistic variety serves a dual purpose: to elevate the profile of participating artists and to facilitate their entry into the dynamic and ever-evolving international market of contemporary art. By participating in YICCA, artists gain access to an influential global network that can significantly impact their careers. This exposure and recognition can be a game-changer for artists, providing them with a place to share their artistic vision and connect with a discerning audience.

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Applied Arts Media is calling for entries to their 2026 Student Awards competition, open to students from all parts of the world. Current secondary, post-secondary, or graduate students studying graphic design, creative advertising, photography, illustration, digital, motion or gaming programs are eligible to enter the competition. Whether you are just starting your journey or looking to launch your career, the Applied Arts Awards give you an advantage in this competitive market. Showcase your work, gain recognition, and let your creativity be celebrated by the industry’s leading professionals.

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Communication Arts invites you to enter the most prestigious competition for creativity in graphic design, the Communication Arts Design Competition. Any design project printed, published or aired for the first time from May 2025 through May 2026 is eligible. Selected by a jury of leading design professionals, the winning entries will be distributed worldwide in the Communication Arts Design Annual, in print and digital editions, and on commarts.com, assuring important exposure to the creators of this outstanding work.

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The Powiatowy Instytut Kultury in Iłża is hosting the Second International Graphics Contest Icons of Freedom. The Truth – Iłża 2026. Participants are invited to create visual narratives in the form of poster artwork about heroes from different countries and illustrate what truth, justice, respect, and freedom mean to them. Selected projects will be exhibited as part of the Second International Graphics Contest “Ikony Wolności. PRAWDA” Iłża 2026 exhibition, scheduled for late August 2026. The three best projects will be awarded with 2,000, 1,500 and 1,000 PLN, respectively.

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The Global Ability Photography Challenge (GAPC) 2026 is a global photography competition for persons with disabilities. It is hosted by Youth4Jobs and NotJustArt, in partnership with Adani GreenTalks. Participants can submit up to 3 images in any style of photography. The competition is open to both amateur and professional photographers worldwide, with free entry. Entries will be judged on originality, storytelling, and visual impact. The top 20 selected photographs will be featured in a curated exhibition. Selected works may also be featured across media and global campaigns.

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Young Stars MAD Competition is the world’s first global marketing and advertising competition for college students. The competition is designed to discover emerging creative talents and accelerate their growth on the global stage. As part of the Young Stars MAD Competition 2026, students from around the world take on a single global brief, presenting innovative ideas and actionable solutions, which are evaluated by leading professionals from the global creative industry. Selected winners will receive award benefits as well as internship opportunities. Their winning works will be showcased as official global promotional content, gaining international exposure.

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The Lumen Prize Foundation is calling all artists engaging with technology to prepare their best work and enter the competition for 2026. The Lumen Prize celebrates the very best art created with technology through a global competition. The total 2026 prize pool is $30,000.

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OSTEN Skopje is proud to announce the 58th World Gallery Of Cartoons – Skopje 2026, and to invite submissions by authors from around the world. Professional, semi-professional and amateur cartoonists can participate with one or more original cartoons, satirical drawings and comics/strips. This year, OSTEN Skopje will award a Grand Prix for Lifetime Achievement of $1,500 (and Sculpture), one First Award of $1,000 (and Plaque), one Second Award of $500 (and Plaque), five (5) third awards and five (5) special awards as plaques, and the Cico Award to one Macedonian cartoonist.

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Film submissions are now open for the Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) 2026, scheduled for 23–27 September 2026. Short and feature animated films, completed after 31 May 2025 are eligible to enter the Festival’s competition programs. This year, the Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) will award a total of seventeen (16) different prizes across four (4) main competition categories.

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The Taiwan International Contemporary Artist Association is calling for entries to the 2026 International Artists Grand Prize Competition. The Taiwan International Contemporary Artist Association has organized one of Asia’s top art contests, the International Artist Grand Prize Competition (I.A.G.P.C.). The organizer is now combining I.A.G.P.C. together with Art Revolution Taipei (A.R.T.) , the most important platform of art exchange in Taiwan, to promote individual artists to the international market. The combined power of both of these unrivaled art outlets will result in more opportunities of sponsorship, exhibition and sale. All accepted entries will be exhibited for sale in the A.R.T. “Live Naturally • The Arts-in-Life Show” 2026. Each finalist will receive a certificate of exhibition.

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