Where to Apply: 6 Competitions for Artists and Designers

Contents:

• Apila’s First Printing Award 2026
• Ilya Mochalov Scholarship
• Open call: product design for the Badaevsky residential complex
• Mayak Festival of Contemporary Russian Cinema
• 10th NBC Meshtec International Screen Printing Biennale in Tokyo
• Paris Photo—Aperture PhotoBook Awards 2025

This selection features international competitions for every taste. You can design books, make high-quality films, or master hand printing. It's also important to study hard and make your loved ones happy. By participating in these competitions, you can develop your skills, gain valuable experience, and attract attention to your creative projects.

Apila’s First Printing Award 2026

Projects for picture book projects are now open. Entries must be no more than 40 pages long and written in English or Spanish. The winner will receive a publishing contract with Apila Ediciones and a cash prize of €4,000, representing 10% of the author's first print run royalties. Participate and have the opportunity to sell your book with the support of a professional publisher.

The deadline for applications is February 15, 2026. Please make sure your submission is submitted on time to avoid missing out.

Ilya Mochalov Scholarship

Ilya Mochalov is a landscape architect, holds a Master's degree from the University of Greenwich, and is a member of the Union of Architects of Russia, which established the scholarship. Students who have successfully completed their third year of study in architecture, landscape architecture, or architectural environmental design can submit applications, including a portfolio of their best work, a motivation letter, and a copy of their grade book. The winner will receive a scholarship of 30,000 rubles per month for the 2025/2026 academic year. The jury will pay particular attention to the portfolio's inclusion of inclusive projects, the use of environmentally friendly materials, and ideas for improving biodiversity, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development in landscape architecture. Applications are open until July 31, 2025. Please ensure your application is submitted on time to avoid delays and ensure its consideration. Don't miss your chance to take part in this important process.

Open call: product design for the Badaevsky residential complex

The A-House and Capital Group teams announce a competition for product designers to develop the interiors of the Badaevsky residential complex. This project is being implemented in accordance with the concept of the Swiss bureau Herzog & de Meuron. The winners of the competition will have a unique opportunity to create elements of apartment furnishings that will be integrated into the final project, ensuring harmony and style in the interior of the residential complex. Participation in the competition will allow designers to showcase their ideas and creativity, as well as contribute to the creation of modern and comfortable housing.

Participants are required to submit a portfolio for the initial selection. Those who pass this stage will be able to access the brief after signing a confidentiality agreement (NDA). Three weeks are given to develop solutions, after which the jury will select the finalists.

The application deadline is August 3, 2025. Please ensure all required documents are collected and completed correctly to avoid delays. Don't miss your opportunity to submit your application by the deadline.

Mayak Festival of Contemporary Russian Cinema

The third Mayak Festival will be held from October 4 to 8, 2025, in Gelendzhik. This year, Russian full-length and short feature films, including co-productions that have not previously been shown in Russia, are eligible to participate. The festival includes several main nominations: Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, as well as Best Actress, Best Actor, and Best Debut. Participation in the festival provides a unique opportunity for filmmakers to showcase their talents and draw attention to their work.

Short films have a separate nomination. The organizers provide funding for travel, accommodation, and meals for representatives of the selected films. This creates additional opportunities for participants and promotes the development of short film.

Applications will be accepted until August 1, 2025. Please ensure your application is submitted on time to avoid missing out on the opportunity to participate.

10th NBC Meshtec International Screen Printing Biennale in Tokyo

NBC Meshtec Inc. announces the opening of applications for the 10th Tokyo International Screen Printing Biennale. The festival aims to promote screen printing technology and its artistic expression, attracting participants from around the world. Contestants' works will be judged on the quality of their execution and artistic expression. Winners will have the opportunity to receive cash prizes: a Grand Prize of 200,000 Japanese yen and a Second Prize of 100,000 Japanese yen. The winning works will be exhibited beginning November 21, 2025, at the Yurakucho Asahi Hall Square Gallery in Tokyo. Participation in the competition is free of charge, providing a unique opportunity for artists and designers to showcase their talents on an international stage.

The application deadline is September 5, 2025. Don't miss your chance to submit your application by the deadline. Please ensure you have all necessary documents prepared in advance for successful participation.

Paris Photo—Aperture PhotoBook Awards 2025

The Aperture Foundation, based in New York, is calling for submissions for its International Photobook Prize. The competition includes three main categories: First PhotoBook, PhotoBook of the Year, and Photography Catalog of the Year. The best works will be showcased at Paris Photo and in galleries around the world, including Printed Matter in New York. Participation in this competition provides a unique opportunity for photographers and publishers to gain international exposure and attract attention to their work.

The deadline for submissions is September 5, 2025. Make sure your application is submitted on time to avoid missing out on the opportunity to participate.