How to participate

The competition is open to professional and amateur artists worldwide, aged 18 years and above.

Each participant may submit one artwork per category..

Entering the competition is free of charge.

Applications must be submitted between 1 October - 10 December 2026.

All works must be original, created exclusively by the artist, and must not have been previously exhibited, published, submitted, or awarded in other competitions.

All works must strictly comply with the competition theme: The Flight of the Holy Family into Egypt. Submissions in Phase I are digital only

Images must be submitted in JPG or PNG format (3–5 MB).

Each submission must be accompanied by:
◦ a short artistic description (up to 100 words),
◦ a short biographical note (up to 500 words).

Contestants must complete the entry form on the website to register for the competition.

By participating, each contestant is deemed to have understood and accepted the terms of the competition. Submission of an entry constitutes acceptance of the present regulations. Participation in the competition and eligibility to receive the prizes are possible only upon agreement with these terms. These terms constitute a binding agreement between the contestant and the IAO in relation to the competition.