Submission Criteria

Artwork Dimensions

Submitted artworks must not exceed 30 x 48 inches (76 x 121 cm) in size (excluding the frame).

***Works exceeding these dimensions will be disqualified.
- Canvas paintings may be unframed, but all edges must be painted.
- Drawings, pastels, and watercolors must be framed to be eligible.

Medium

Artists may work in any medium, including but not limited to: oil, acrylic, watercolor, pencil, ink, pastel, charcoal, or mixed media.

- Digital art and photography are not accepted for this competition (if needed, you may remove this line).

- Sculptures and 3D works are not accepted.

Theme

There is no set theme. Artists are encouraged to submit works inspired by their own vision, subject matter, or concept.

Originality

All work must be 100% original and created solely by the submitting artist.

Works created using AI-generated elements are not eligible

Plagiarism or copyright infringement will result in immediate disqualification.

Submission Process

- After registration and payment, artists will receive a submission form by email. This form must be completed and returned by the deadline.
- Artists must submit a high-resolution JPEG of their artwork for jury review

- PDF files will not be accepted.

- File name must include the artist’s full name and artwork title (Name_title)
- If you have not received the email, please check your spam/junk folder.

Image Requirements (added for clarity)

- Minimum resolution: 2000 pixels on the longest side.

- Image must be clear, well-lit, and show the artwork only (no frames, no background clutter).

- Poor-quality images may affect jury evaluation.

Entry Fee

- A non-refundable entry fee applies to each submission.

- The amount and payment instructions will be provided upon registration.

- All fees are listed in USD.

Eligibility

- Open to artists worldwide, of all ages and career levels.

- Works previously awarded in other competitions are allowed, as long as they meet all criteria.

- Artists may submit artworks that are available for sale or not for sale.

Prizes

Round 1

- The Top 100 artworks will be selected for a 3-week exhibition at the Montreal Art Center and Museum.

- Selected artists will be notified in advance (check your spam folder if you do not receive notification).

- Artworks must be shipped prepaid to arrive no later than 45 days before the exhibition opening on July 18, 2026.

- Full shipping instructions will be provided.

- All taxes, customs duties, insurance, and transportation fees are the artist’s responsibility.

- UPS is recommended for reliable international service and tracking.

- If an artwork arrives damaged or incomplete, the Global Art League is not responsible.

Round 2

- 1st Place: $2,000 USD + exclusive solo exhibition (1 week) + 1 week stay in our art apartment.

- 2nd Place: $1,000 USD.

- 3rd Place: $500 USD.

- 4th Place (Public Choice Award): Exhibition spot in the Emerging Artist Showcase (value $250).

Virtual Gallery

- A virtual gallery will be created exclusively for artists participating in the competition.

- Individual virtual galleries are not available outside the competition.

Artwork Sales

- Artists may choose whether their artwork is for sale or not.

- Any sale inquiries during the exhibition will be forwarded directly to the artist.

- Global Art League does not take commissions on sales for this competition.

Rights & Permissions

- By entering, artists grant Global Art League permission to use submitted images for promotional materials related to the competition, exhibitions, catalogues, and publications.

- Whenever possible, artist credit will be included when images are used.

- Selected works may appear in printed or digital materials; artists will be notified if selected.

Liability

- While reasonable care is taken during handling and display, Global Art League and the Montreal Art Center & Museum assume no responsibility for loss, theft, or damage of artworks in transit.

- Artists are encouraged to insure their artwork independently.

Disclaimer

Global Art League reserves the right to:

- Disqualify any submission that does not comply with these guidelines.

- Request proof of authorship if needed.

- Remove artworks deemed inappropriate, unsafe, or misrepresented.