Organizer Information
The 7th Bolu International Poster Design Competition is organized on behalf of Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University (BAIBU), located in Bolu, Türkiye. The initiative is led by faculty members from the Department of Graphic Arts and the Faculty of Fine Arts, Design, and Architecture. This competition operates as a non-profit international event under the Bolu International Art Hall (BIAH) platform. BIAH serves as a cultural hub that aims to bridge the gap between academic research and creative practice, utilizing the intellectual and communicative power of design to raise global awareness about critical social, economic, and environmental issues.
Title & Description
7th Bolu International Poster Design Competition – "Beyond Horizons: Designing a Sustainable Future"
This open call invites designers to push past established boundaries of knowledge, technology, and social frameworks to explore alternative approaches to a sustainable future. The theme "Beyond Horizons" frames sustainability not just as an environmental concern, but as a holistic challenge involving social justice, innovation, and economic equity. Participants are tasked with creating powerful visual narratives that simplify complex global challenges and foster social dialogue. The competition is specifically aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), encouraging artists to translate these high-level targets into impactful, metaphorical, or conceptual visual expressions that can move and inform a global audience.
Categories
The competition is dedicated exclusively to Poster Design. Within this discipline, participants may employ various production methods, including:
- Visual Communication Design
- Graphic Design
- Digital Illustration
- Generative AI-assisted Design (as a supportive tool)
- Typography and Slogan-based Design
Eligibility
This call is International and open to everyone across the globe, regardless of professional status.
- Emerging & Professional Artists: Open to students, freelancers, and established professionals.
- No Age Limit: Participation is inclusive of all age groups.
- Individual Participation: Designers apply based on their own creative merit.
- Language: Posters must be in English or include an English translation alongside the participant’s native language.
Program Benefits & Awards
As a non-profit awareness project, the rewards focus on international prestige, academic recognition, and professional networking:
- Exhibition Opportunities: Selected posters will be displayed at the physical exhibition at Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University (Gölköy Campus) and featured in a permanent Online Exhibition.
- Certification: All artists whose works are selected for exhibition will receive a Digital Certificate of Participation.
- Achievement Awards: The top three designers will receive a symbolic Digital BIAH Achievement Certificate.
- Career Opportunity: The first-place winner earns the right to serve as an Invited Jury Member for the next edition (8th BIAH) of the competition.
- Publication: Selected works will be featured in the official Exhibition Catalog.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Poster File: A3 size, Vertical orientation, RGB color mode, JPEG/JPG format.
- Design Content: Must not contain any logos (including the university or BIAH), identifying marks, or commercial branding.
- AI Disclosure: If Generative AI tools were used, the applicant must specify the tool and the extent of its use in the application form.
- Originality Declaration: Works must not have been previously published, awarded, or exhibited elsewhere.
- Personal Info: Basic contact details as requested by the submission portal.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Submission Period: 1 November 2026
- Evaluation Period: November 3–6, 2026
- Announcement of Selected Posters: November 7, 2026
- Public Objection Period (for similarity checks): November 7–12, 2026
- Exhibition Dates: December 1–8, 2026
- Certificates & Catalog Distribution: December 20, 2026
Location
Bolu, Türkiye
Additional Details
- Sub-Themes: Designs must relate to one or more of the following SDGs: Quality Education (SDG 4), Decent Work & Economic Growth (SDG 8), Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure (SDG 9), Responsible Consumption & Production (SDG 12), or Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
- AI Policy: BIAH accepts the use of Generative AI as a supportive instrument. However, the conceptual decisions and creative direction must belong to the artist. AI usage is tracked for academic research purposes and does not negatively impact jury scoring.
- Copyright: By applying, artists grant Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University a non-exclusive license to use the works for promotional, educational, and exhibition purposes without a fee, while maintaining the artist's attribution.
- Verification: To ensure originality, selected posters are shared publicly for 5 days before final results are locked, allowing the global design community to report any potential plagiarism or similarities.