Organizer Information
The Goleniów Cultural Centre (GDK), located in Poland, has organized the Color Art Festival annually since 1990. Originally established as a celebration of children's artistic creativity, the festival has grown into a prestigious international event. Since 1997, it has been held under the patronage of the Polish National Commission for UNESCO, and it is supported by major partners including UNICEF Poland and the Centre for the Development of Polish Education Abroad (ORPEG). The center is dedicated to promoting young talent and fostering international cultural dialogue through the visual arts.
Title & Description
Color Art – "Recipe for Happiness"
The 35th anniversary edition of the International Festival of Fine Arts invites young artists to explore the theme "Recipe for Happiness." This milestone edition seeks universal, joyful, and festive interpretations of what makes life meaningful. Participants are encouraged to translate their personal "recipes" into visual form—whether that involves friends, pets, family, travels, helping others, environmental care, or simple moments like listening to music. The project aims to showcase how happiness can be multiplied through art, culminating in a seaside creative retreat and a professional exhibition.
Categories
- Painting: Includes drawing, painting, batik, collage, and mixed flat techniques on paper, canvas, or fabric.
- Graphics: Specifically focused on linocut and monotype techniques.
- Special Category: Works from the Goleniów County (evaluated separately).
Eligibility
The competition is open to children and young people aged 6 to 17 from around the world. Applications are accepted from individual participants, schools, and cultural institutions. Entrants are divided into three age groups:
- Group I: 6–9 years old
- Group II: 10–13 years old
- Group III: 14–17 years old
Program Benefits & Awards
- Seaside Artistic Workshops: The primary prize is an invitation for the winner and one guardian to a multi-day creative retreat in Międzywodzie (May 8–13, 2026), including beach activities like kite flying and collaborative art-making.
- Exhibition & Publication: Winning works will be displayed at the Goleniów Public Library and featured in the official festival catalogue.
- Full Hospitality: The organizer provides accommodation in double rooms and meals for the winner and their guardian during the finale.
- Material Prizes: Winners receive diplomas and physical prizes funded by patrons and sponsors.
- Honorable Mentions: Up to three per category, including inclusion in the exhibition and catalogue.
Application Fee
There is no fee to submit an entry. However, if selected as a winner, there is an accreditation fee of 100 PLN per pair (winner + guardian) to confirm participation in the workshop finale.
Application Requirements
- Physical Artwork: Original works (unframed, not rolled). Maximum of 3 entries per participant.
- Formats: A3 to A1 for Painting; A4 to A2 for Graphics.
- Labels: A specific competition label must be attached to the back of each work.
- Entry Form: A completed application form (available on the website).
- Packaging: Works must be sent in sturdy, flat packaging to prevent damage.
How to Apply?
Entries should be sent to the following address:
Goleniowski Dom Kultury
ul. Słowackiego 1
72-100 Goleniów, POLAND / with the note: COLOR ART
Application documents can be downloaded at this link
Key Dates
- Submission Deadline: 14 February 2026
- Festival Finale & Award Ceremony: 8 May 2026
- Artistic Workshops (Międzywodzie): May 8 – May 13, 2026
Location
Międzywodzie (Seaside), Poland
Additional Details
The festival operates on a "transfer of rights" basis; submitted works become the property of the Goleniów Cultural Centre and will not be returned. While the organizer provides transport between Goleniów and the seaside workshop location, travel costs from the participant’s place of residence to Goleniów are not covered. All necessary art supplies for the workshops are provided by the organizers.