Organizer Information
TERAVARNA is a prominent international online gallery platform dedicated to elevating the global profiles of contemporary artists. By combining traditional jurying with cutting-edge digital exposure—including virtual reality showcases and strategic marketplace partnerships—the gallery connects innovative creators with seasoned collectors, galleries, and art enthusiasts worldwide.
Title & Description
16th ABSTRACT International Juried Art Competition.
This open call invites global creators to submit their most compelling, human-created works centered on the endless possibilities of abstraction. The competition welcomes a fluid interpretation of the theme, reviewing both entirely non-representational concepts and figurative abstractions. It serves as a high-visibility digital nexus designed to jumpstart international sales and provide permanent archival recognition.
Categories
Painting & Mixed Media, Photography & Digital Art, Sculpture & 3D Installation, Graphic Design, Fiber Art, and Experimental Art.
Eligibility
- Age: Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
- Global Scope: Open to artists worldwide across all backgrounds and nationalities.
- AI Policy: Strictly Prohibited. All submissions must be entirely human-created. Any use of AI tools, texturing, or upscaling results in immediate disqualification.
- Special Submissions: Separate judging structures and financial assistance coupons are available for artists with physical disabilities and creators applying from developing nations.
Program Benefits and Awards (Up to $5,000 Total Cash Pool)
- First Prize: $500 – $1,000 cash award.
- Runner-Up Prize: $350 – $500 cash award.
- Merit Prize: $250 – $350 cash award.
- Talent Prize: $100 – $250 cash award.
- Artsy Marketplace Representation: Top winners receive free professional storefront features on ARTSY for 6 consecutive months to accelerate commercial sales (First Prize: up to 10 works; Runners-up: up to 5 works; Merit: up to 3 works).
- Immersive VR Exhibition: All cash prize winners will have their artworks mounted in an interactive Virtual Reality gallery environment on the TERAVARNA portal.
- Additional Distinctions: Certificates of Recognition for Honorable Mentions and Finalists, alongside monthly newsletter highlights and multi-channel social media promotion.
Fees
- Entry Fee: $20 per individual artwork (Non-refundable; up to 10 works per form submission).
- Social Impact: TERAVARNA will donate 5% of all entry fees (up to $250) directly to global wildlife conservation NGOs.
Application Requirements
- Format: Only cleanly cropped, front-facing JPEG / JPG files are accepted.
- Size: Files must be under 5MB (under 2MB preferred), in sharp focus, and free of frames, borders, or background elements.
How to Apply?
Select your desired number of entry slots, complete the secure credit card or PayPal processing fee, and follow the automatic redirection to upload your images and technical descriptions. Apply to the 16th ABSTRACT Competition.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: May 31, 2026 (11:59 PM California Time). Note: This deadline is strict and will not be extended.
- Cash Prize Notifications: June 7, 2026.
- Non-Cash Notifications & Exhibition Launch: June 8, 2026.
- Cash Distribution via PayPal: Starts June 29, 2026.
- Exhibition Closing: June 30, 2026.
Location
Online / Virtual (Global Market).
Additional Details
The final financial distribution depends entirely on jury quotas and overall pool quality; if specific brackets lack sufficient entries, they are aggregated across broader categories to ensure competitive integrity. Submissions from developing regions or disabled categories require valid verification documents emailed to info@teravarna.com to claim fee assistance.