2026 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH ART CONTEST
A Special Category in Conjunction with the Main Youth Art Contest
This Calligraphy Division is part of the 2026 International Youth Art Contest and features its own submission process and exhibition.
The Calligraphy Division is a special category presented in conjunction with the 2026 International Youth Art Contest. While it is part of the overall international competition, this division features its own submission form, dedicated review process, and curated exhibition focused specifically on the art of calligraphy.
This category celebrates traditional and contemporary calligraphy practices from around the world, highlighting discipline, brush control, cultural heritage, and artistic expression.

How the Selection Process Works
Round 1: Online Submission and Artwork Review
Students submit their profile information and 1–5 digital images of original calligraphy artworks for jury review.
- There will be a Non-Refundable $10 First Round Registration and Artwork Review Fee
- This will cover submission intake, jury coordination, communications, and administrative processing costs
- Paid once per submission (up to 5 digital artworks)
Based on jury panel evaluation, qualified people will be notified to advance to the second round
Round 2: In-Person Exhibition and Awards
- Artworks that have scored in the top 30% from Round 1 will be invited to submit their physical artworks to the International Art Museum of America for 2nd round scoring. All physically submitted artworks will be exhibited.
Exhibition Fee
- Discounted to $100 ($10 Paid in the 1st Round is credited toward this 2nd Round.) Candidates entering the second-round, semi-final stage will submit minimum one and no more than five artworks for a one-week exhibition for public viewing. The exhibition fee is $100 per painting plus a return shipping fee if the artworks are not self picked up. Selected works from the Calligraphy Division will be exhibited alongside the 2026 International Youth Art Contest Exhibition at the International Art Museum of America, with a dedicated presentation highlighting the tradition and discipline of calligraphy.
Awards
- All participants will be divided into three age groups: 5-10, 11-14, and 15-18.
- All entries selected for the second round will receive exhibition certificates recognizing their participation in the exhibition.
- Within each age group, outstanding artworks will be recognized with First Place, Second Place, and Third Place awards. Winners will receive award certificates and cash prizes in recognition of their artistic achievement.
- Additional recognitions or special awards may also be presented at the discretion of the jury.
Size Limit, Shipping and Handling Fee
- The maximum size of the artwork is 18″ x 24″ (45 cm x 60cm). Oversize paintings will need to be reviewed and approved by the International Youth Art Contest committee. Additional handling fee may be assessed.
- Artwork in paper format doesn’t need to be framed. IAMA will provide frame rental and installation services (included in the registration fee).
- All artworks will be returned to participants. Return shipment fees will be based on your country of submission and be prepaid.
- U.S. participants: flat $25 per painting.
- International participants: responsible for applicable international shipping rates.
- Please consider the size and weight of your artwork, as these can significantly increase return costs. We are working with third‑party shippers to help reduce fees. Submitting artwork framed or on canvas will result in notably higher return shipping charges.
- For the actual 2nd round submission, a more precise shipment fees will be stated and be part of the submission form.
FIRST ROUND CALLIGRAPHY APPLICATION
Submission Deadline: April 27th, 2026
Please note: Not all Second Round submissions will be selected for exhibition. Exhibition placement and award eligibility are determined solely by jury scoring.
FAQ
Is this separate from the main Youth Art Contest?
This division is part of the 2026 International Youth Art Contest but has its own submission process and review panel.
Can I submit both calligraphy and painting?
Yes. Participants may submit to multiple categories using their respective submission forms.
Will calligraphy be judged against other art forms?
No. Calligraphy submissions are evaluated independently within their own division.
