Open call!

Apply now for the 27th International Ice Sculpture festival 2026, which will take place in Jelgava from February 1^st to February 8^th!

This year’s ice sculpture competition invites artists to explore the theme “The Power of Illusion” – participants, become part of a place where reality meets the unknown, where mind games transform into visible forms and a moment becomes eternity. Artists are welcome to apply by filling out the official application form until November 20th.

We are excited to invite talented artists to participate in this year’s ice sculpture competition themed “ The Power of Illusion”. Participants – let yourself be captivated by the senses and the mind! Create works in which truth and delusion merge, where sculptures become a bridge between the visible and the imagined. What is the boundary between truth and illusion? Can art deceive 2 the eyes and at the same time reveal the depths of the soul? When the ice shines in the lights, each sculpture will be like a mysterious answer that invites viewers to question what they see and surrender to their feelings. Join this journey, where art creates the desire to ask “Is what I see real?”.

All teams must send us the Application before November 20^th 2025 in order to be accepted to the contest qualification. Each team member must complete an individual sculpture application form and one from the team need to submit team sculpture application form.

According to the European Union, artists from Russia and Belarus, as well as citizens of Russia or Belarus, who represent another country, may not participate in the sand sculpture competition and festival.