Call for Applications Opens for the 10th Edition of the UNESCO Creative City of Carrara Award

The initiative aims to promote UNESCO’s values of peace, sustainability, health, and intercultural dialogue through the art of sculpture.

The call is open to young sculptors and sculpture students from around the world. Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application and no older than 35 by the end of 2026.

Theme of the Artwork

Participants must submit a design or concept for an artistic creation inspired by the slogan “The Voice of Art for a Message of Peace.”

The artworks should reflect UNESCO’s values, including peace, sustainability, health, and intercultural dialogue.

Following an evaluation of the applicants’ backgrounds, proposals, and supporting documents by a jury, three artists will be selected to participate in the artistic residency.

The selected artists will create their artworks from 7 September to 2 October 2026 in the Italian city of Carrara, at a specialized marble sculpture workshop under the guidance of professional master sculptors.

The selected artists will benefit from several opportunities, including free accommodation for the three participants; a €900 allowance to cover part of their accommodation and meal expenses; a cash prize of €1,000 for the first-place winner and €500 for each of the other two artists; and access to specialized marble sculpture facilities and workshops in Carrara, where they will have the opportunity to work with experienced master sculptors.

Application Deadline

The application deadline is 31 July 2026.

Applications must be submitted electronically in accordance with the conditions specified in the call for applications.

Interested applicants can access the full call, eligibility requirements, and application form through the following link.