The organizing committee of the International Competition for Young Artists Kartina Mira has decided to extend the application deadline. Young artists will have additional time to prepare and submit their works in the categories of Painting, Graphics, and Digital Art, as well as in the special anniversary nomination "Inspired by Russian," dedicated to the 170th anniversary of the State Tretyakov Gallery. The new Open Call deadline is February 16, 2026.
The decision to extend the application period was driven by a desire to provide equal opportunities to authors from different time zones and regions, given the high interest in the Competition.
The decision to extend the application period was driven by a desire to provide equal opportunities to authors from different time zones and regions, given the high interest in the Competition.
"The interim results show that Kartina Mira Competition is successfully serving as a tool for intercultural dialogue. The geography of the participants — from the BRICS countries to Europe and America — confirms the demand for a multipolar cultural space. We decided to give the artists additional time to ensure every voice is heard," said Natalia Popova, First Deputy General Director of the Innopraktika Company and member of the Competition’s Creative Council.
The Competition’s goal
is to support young artists who see national traditions not as a conservative form, but as a relevant source of inspiration. Timed to coincide with the 170th anniversary of the Tretyakov Gallery, the new Competition nomination, "Inspired by Russian," invites young artists to engage in an open dialogue with the priceless legacy of Russian art and has received a strong response from participants.
The theme of the second International Competition for Young Artists Kartina Mira is "The Values of My Nation as Part of the Global Human Culture"
Participants will use their works to demonstrate how the history and traditions of their nation influence contemporary art. The Competition aims to serve as a bridge between tradition and modernity, past and future, creating a space for cultural exchange and interaction. Young artists will present their works on significant social, cultural, and philosophical topics.
Kartina Mira Competition is, above all, a professional challenge. The lineup of participants is strong, but it takes time to create full-fledged works. Extending the application period until February 16 will help artists. For the young artist, the project opens up new opportunities. The chance to exhibit at the Tretyakov Gallery is rare, and they better use it effectively," noted Semyon Mikhailovsky, Rector of St. Petersburg Academy of Fine Arts and co-chairman of the Competition's Creative Council.
The uniqueness of the Competition lies in its comprehensibility — any artist between the ages of 18 and 35, regardless of skill level or location, can participate in the Competition. You can apply on our website.
The expert vote to determine the winners will take place in several stages: by the end of February 2026, the Competition’s Expert Council will select 100 best applications. The Creative Council will then shortlist 50 works, and finally, in the third stage, 14 finalists of the Competition will be selected. They will have the opportunity to exhibit their works at the Tretyakov Gallery branch in Samara. The opening of the finalists' exhibition will take place in June 2026.
The expert vote to determine the winners will take place in several stages: by the end of February 2026, the Competition’s Expert Council will select 100 best applications. The Creative Council will then shortlist 50 works, and finally, in the third stage, 14 finalists of the Competition will be selected. They will have the opportunity to exhibit their works at the Tretyakov Gallery branch in Samara. The opening of the finalists' exhibition will take place in June 2026.
