Organizer Information:

Academy of Fine Arts, University of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The project seeks to showcase the diversity of approaches among contemporary digital artists and create space for the development of new visual languages.

Title & Description:

Applications are open for the International Digital Art Contest 2026.

This contest provides a broad overview of the current state of digital art, accepting everything from experimental and conceptual works to narrative and introspective forms. There is no predetermined theme. Works will be presented in both a physical gallery and a virtual gallery in the metaverse (Spatial platform).

There are two categories:

  1. Digital Still Image Artworks (DSIA): Digital images, graphics, painting, photography.
  2. Digital Moving Image Artworks (DMIA): Short films, animations, and time-based works.

Category:

Digital Art (Strictly pure digital works only).

Eligibility:

  • Who: Open to artists worldwide.
  • Age Limit: Applicants MUST be at least 18 years old at the time of submission.
  • Digital Purity: Eligible works must exist exclusively in a digital environment and must not have an equivalent in physical reality.
  • AI Ban: Works must be created strictly WITHOUT the use of artificial intelligence tools. (Note: The organizer reserves the right to request proof of manual creation, such as layered files, sketches, or metadata. Failure to provide this will result in immediate disqualification).
  • Commercial Work Ban: Works created for commercial purposes, clients, or other competitions (e.g., illustrations, posters, applied design) are strictly NOT accepted.
  • Submission Limit: Each applicant may submit strictly ONE (1) artwork only. Collaborative works will not be considered.

Program Benefits & Awards:

  • Grand Prix: Awarded to the best overall work.
  • First Prize (DSIA): Awarded to the best static digital artwork.
  • First Prize (DMIA): Awarded to the best moving digital artwork.
  • Special Jury Award: Awarded for specific artistic quality or innovation.
  • Exhibition: Selected works will be exhibited simultaneously in the physical gallery in Široki Brijeg and virtually on Spatial.
  • Catalog & Recognition: All participants receive a certificate of participation, and selected works will be featured in a digital catalog.

Application Fee & Program Costs:

  • Application Fee: Free to apply.

Application Requirements:

  • Submission Format: Applications MUST be submitted via Google Forms. Emailed submissions will be rejected.
  • Cloud Link Rules: Artists must provide a link to their artwork via a cloud service (Google Drive, WeTransfer, Dropbox). The link MUST NOT require a login, and it MUST NOT expire before the selection process ends.
  • File Naming: The artwork file must be named using the exact format: FirstName_LastName_Country_Code (Note: Use 'DSIA' or 'DMIA' for the code).
  • Technical Specs (Still Image): JPG, RGB, Max 20 MB.
  • Technical Specs (Moving Image): MP4, H.264, 20–30 Mbps, Max 2 minutes duration, Max 500 MB.

How to Apply?

Upload your work to a cloud drive and submit the open link via the official Google Form provided on the contest website.

Key Dates:

  • Application Window: April 1, 2026 – August 1, 2026.
  • Application Deadline: August 1, 2026.
  • Results Announced: September 15, 2026.
  • Exhibitions (Physical & Virtual): October 14 – November 18, 2026.

Location:

Academy of Fine Arts Široki Brijeg (Bosnia and Herzegovina) & Online (Spatial Metaverse).

Contact Information:

Inquiries Email: internationaldigitalartcontest@gmail.com (Subject: IDAC 2026 – Inquiry)

Website & Application Link: https://alu.sum.ba/international-digital-art-contest-2026/