International Digital Art Contest 2026

International Digital Art Contest 2026 is a global creative initiative designed to celebrate innovation and experimentation within the field of digital art. The competition is organized by the Academy of Fine Arts, University of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, under the leadership of Project Manager Associate Professor Josip Mijić, PhD (Art).

The contest invites artists from around the world to present original works that reflect the evolving relationship between art and technology. With no imposed theme, the competition encourages freedom of expression, allowing participants to explore a wide range of concepts, styles, and narratives through digital media.

Scope and Objectives

Positioned at the intersection of creativity and technology, the contest highlights the growing importance of digital tools in modern artistic production. Artists are encouraged to submit works that demonstrate technical skill, conceptual depth, and a strong personal voice—whether through digital illustration, 3D art, animation, or mixed media formats. By emphasizing originality and authenticity, the competition seeks to showcase cutting-edge digital artwork that reflects current trends while pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling in the digital age.

Beyond competition, the event serves as a platform for international exposure and cultural exchange. Through its curated exhibition and professional jury evaluation, the contest recognizes artistic excellence and promotes dialogue around contemporary digital art practices.

Participation Requirements & Details

• Category: Illustration
• Deadline: August 1, 2026
• Entry Fee: Free
• Eligibility: Open to artists worldwide aged 18 or older submitting original digital artworks created without the use of artificial intelligence.
• Official Website: https://alu.sum.ba/international-digital-art-contest-2026/

Prizes and Exhibition

Selected works will be exhibited as part of an official exhibition organized by the Academy of Fine Arts. Artists will gain international exposure and recognition, with final decisions made by a professional jury and results announced publicly. The primary reward lies in exhibition opportunities, visibility, and inclusion in a curated presentation of contemporary digital art practices.

Strict Technical Requirements

• Only digital artworks that do not have an equivalent in physical reality may be submitted. Works must exist exclusively in a digital environment.
• No Artificial Intelligence: Only digital artworks created without the use of AI tools may be submitted. The organizer reserves the right to request documentation of the work process (working file versions, sketches, layered files, etc.) in cases of suspicion.
• Each applicant may submit one (1) artwork only. Collaborative works will not be considered.
• Works may be protected or distributed through NFTs, but tokenization is neither an evaluation criterion nor an advantage.