- Selection of national representative artists for the Asia Artpiad Contest to be held in July 2027

- Online preliminary application period from July 7 to October 30, with the main event held in Seoul and Incheon for 243 days until March next year

- Open to all Korean citizens aged 19 and older, with free entry

- Motto: 'More Beautiful, More Free, More Fair'

- Enhanced fairness through <self-evaluation online voting on-site voting expert panel review>

- Strengthened transparency including mandatory disclosure of AI usage

['2026 Korea Artpiad Contest' event poster]

The 'Korea Artpiad Contest,' aimed at promoting world peace through art and fostering artistic development for future generations, has embarked on a 243-day journey starting with official recruitment on the 7th.

The Asia and Korea Artpiad Committee (AAC·KoAC) announced that it is hosting this contest to select Korean national representative artists to participate in the 'Asia Artpiad Contest' to be held in July 2027.

The contest is hosted by AAC·KoAC and co-organized by ARTLIAN, IAA KOREA (International Association of Plastic Arts Korea Committee), and Korea CEO Summit. Cultural organizations and companies including the Sasaek Hyanggi Association, IT Center, and Korea Gold Exchange are also participating in sponsorship and cooperation, further enhancing the contest's credibility and prestige.

■ Free participation for anyone aged 19 and older... Up to 2 works per person can be submitted

The contest is open to all Korean citizens aged 19 and older without barriers. To remove entry obstacles and provide opportunities for aspiring artists to showcase their talent, participation is completely free.

The preliminary round, running from July 7 to October 30, is conducted 100% online. Participants interested in entering should register on the contest's official website (www.artpiad.art) or mobile app (ARTPIAD on Google Play Store), and complete their artist and work registration. Submitted works must be uploaded as high-resolution image files (JPG/PNG) of 2,000 pixels (px) or wider, and each participant can submit up to 2 works regardless of category.

■ 'More Fair'... Rigorous evaluation and full disclosure of final round assessment materials

This contest has adopted three core mottos: 'More Beautiful (Pulchrius)', 'More Free (Libere)', and 'More Fair (Aequius)'. In particular, strict standards have been implemented to ensure artistic sustainability and fairness.

To ensure impartial and fair evaluation, a 'four-channel 360-degree evaluation method' consisting of <self-evaluation online voting on-site voting expert panel review> has been introduced. Additionally, all submitted works must be created using materials that can be permanently preserved, and if AI or other tools were used in the creative process, mandatory disclosure is required, reflecting contemporary changes while enhancing transparency. In particular, all materials related to final round evaluation will adhere to a 'full disclosure principle' to maximize objectivity and fairness in judging.

■ From traditional painting to 'AI convergence art' and 'art criticism'... Competition in 10 categories reflecting contemporary changes

The highlight of this contest's categories is a full spectrum ranging from pure fine arts to cutting-edge digital art. The contest categories consist of a total of 10 fields and 32 subcategories including ▲painting (2D) ▲sculpture (3D) ▲folk art ▲photography ▲design ▲media art ▲crafts ▲comics ▲art criticism and documentary art ▲convergence art.

Beyond traditional representational and abstract painting and sculpture, the contest embraces webtoons, caricatures, and digital media, while uniquely incorporating 'AI convergence art' reflecting the latest trends and 'art criticism and historical documentary art' to add depth and historical value. This is expected to break down barriers between genres and realize the true meaning of an arts olympiad that breathes with the times through the Artpiad Contest.

Final round submissions selected after preliminary judging will be stored in designated repositories from November 9 to 27, and the final exhibition will be held in Seoul and Incheon from December 21 (opening ceremony) to February 20, 2027, for domestic and global audiences.

Final award winners will be announced on February 26 next year through the official bulletin board, with the awards ceremony, closing ceremony, and winning artist workshop held on March 6, 2027.

■ Eight award categories including the prestigious 'Masterpiece Award'... Recipients given entry to the Asia Artpiad Contest

Awards are given in a total of 8 categories. Led by the 'Masterpiece Award' (Masterpiece Award), the gold medal awarded to only one work of the highest honor with exceptional artistic and social value, the 'Grand Prix' (silver medal, 2 recipients) and 'Finalist' (bronze medal, 3 recipients) are selected. Additionally, there are the judges' award, merit award (Pride Award), special award, sponsor award, and 'Heritage Award' presented to artists who illuminate the contest through special invitation, adding depth to the contest.

A contest official stated, "This contest will serve as a platform for global art exchange that goes beyond mere competition and respects cultural diversity while promoting creativity. For the final selected award-winning artists, distinctive artist programs and workshop participation opportunities will be provided, including permanent exhibition opportunities and pathways to advance to Asian and global stages. We hope for great interest and passionate participation from Korean artists."

Detailed schedules and application procedures for the contest are available on the Korea Artpiad Contest official website (artpiad.art).

■ Contest Schedule Summary

- Contest period: July 7, 2026 ~ March 6, 2027 (243 days)

- Contest venue: Seoul and Incheon areas, Korea

- Key schedule:

* Preliminary application (online): July 7 ~ October 30, 2026

* Preliminary judging and announcement: November 2 ~ 7, 2026

* Final round work submission: November 9 ~ 27, 2026 (designated repository)

* Final round and exhibition: December 21, 2026 ~ February 20, 2027 (opening ceremony 12/21)

* Final award announcement: February 26, 2027

* Awards ceremony and closing ceremony: March 6, 2027 (with winner workshop)

■ Inquiries: Korea Artpiad Committee (KoAC) Secretariat

- Phone: ( 82) 02-1544-9811, FAX ( 82) 070-7874-8825

- E-mail: artlianmaster@gmail.com

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