Organizer Information
The AIRA Sociedade Cooperativa Galega (SCG) has launched the International AIRA Painting Contest, a leading agri-food cooperative initiative based in the region of Galicia, Spain. Beyond its primary industrial role, the organization is deeply committed to rural development, sustainability, and social responsibility. By launching this cultural Project, AIRA seeks to use the Art world as a bridge to connect society with the dignity of rural labor. The foundation of this initiative is to foster creativity while promoting the essential values of the land, supporting artists who can translate the strength and beauty of the countryside into a universal visual language.
Title & Description
International AIRA Painting Contest - "Shared Territory, Common Roots"
The I International Painting Contest AIRA invites artists from across the globe to reflect on the relationship between humanity and the earth. The theme, "Shared Territory, Common Roots," encourages creators to explore the link between rural life and the sustenance it provides—from the act of sowing to the final nourishment. Through the medium of Visual Arts, participants are expected to capture the dignity of rural labor and the commitment to a shared future. This Competition is not just an Award/Prize opportunity; it is an invitation to celebrate the beauty and strength of our collective origins through contemporary artistic expression.
Categories
The opportunity is strictly focused on the following discipline:
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Painting: Open to all aesthetic styles and currents (figurative, abstract, etc.).
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Technical Specs: Works must be unique, original, and signed. They must be presented on a single support and framed with a 2-cm wide wooden strip. Minimum dimensions are 120 x 120 cm, and maximum dimensions are 150 x 150 cm.
Eligibility
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International: Open to all authors regardless of nationality or place of origin.
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Age: Participants must be over 18 years of age.
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Career Stage: Open to both established and Emerging Artists.
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Restrictions: Works must be original and not previously entered in other contests, nor created in workshops or under academic supervision.
Program Benefits & Awards
The contest offers a total financial Fund of €20,000, distributed as follows:
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First Prize: €8,000 Award/Prize.
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Second Prize: €7,000 Award/Prize.
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Third Prize: €5,000 Award/Prize.
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Honorable Mentions: Two accésits (non-monetary), including the AEPE Honorary Prize.
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Exhibition: The 16 finalist works will be featured in a touring Exhibition across various galleries in Galicia, Spain, from April to August 2026.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
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Personal Info: Completed and signed registration form.
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CV: A brief artistic curriculum vitae.
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Portfolio: A color photograph of the author and a high-resolution color photograph of the work (Minimum A4 size, 300 dpi).
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Artist Statement: Included within the registration form regarding the theme.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
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Application Deadline: 18 January 2026
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Finalist Selection: January 19 – 31, 2026
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Physical Work Delivery: Deadline is March 16, 2026 (for selected finalists).
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Jury Decision/Notification: March 31, 2026.
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Exhibition Period: April 27 to August 30, 2026.
Location
The contest is organized in Taboada (Lugo), Spain
Additional Details
Selected finalists are responsible for all Shipping costs and insurance during transit. Works on paper must be protected with unbreakable materials (no glass). The three winning works will become the property of AIRA SCG, including all intellectual property and reproduction rights.