Open call!

28th International Ice Sculpture Festival 2027

January 30 – February 6, 2027 | Jelgava, Latvia

Artists from around the world are invited to apply for the 28th International Ice Sculpture Festival, taking place in Jelgava, Latvia, from January 30 to February 6, 2027.

THEME 2027: “WORLD CARNIVAL”

A place where borders disappear, cultures meet, and the world becomes one magnificent stage of celebration.

This year’s competition invites artists to explore the colour, energy and diversity of carnival traditions from around the globe. “World Carnival” is a celebration of cultural diversity – a meeting point of traditions, stories, rhythms and imagination, brought to life through the extraordinary art of ice sculpture.

Let the rhythms of the world inspire you and give your imagination complete freedom.

Create works where masks, dance, music, legends and cultural symbols come together. Find inspiration in the spectacular feathers and energy of Rio de Janeiro, the mysterious elegance of Venetian masks, the ancient traditions and rituals of Africa, the colourful celebrations of Asia, or in any other carnival, festival or cultural tradition that tells a unique story.

Interpret the theme through your own artistic vision. Transform a block of ice into a moment of celebration, movement and emotion. Let traditions meet, cultures intertwine and stories from different corners of the world become frozen in ice.

Through art, the world can come together.

Each sculpture can become part of one great celebration – a reminder that despite our different languages, traditions and histories, creativity has the power to unite us.

Welcome to the World Carnival!

APPLICATION

Artists are invited to submit their applications by November 20, 2026.

All teams must submit their applications before the deadline in order to participate in the competition qualification process.

Each team member must complete an Individual Sculpture Application Form, and one member of each team must additionally submit the Team Sculpture Application Form.

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

CONTACT

For any questions regarding the competition or application process, please contact:

laura.bukovska@kultura.jelgava.lv

We look forward to welcoming artists from around the world to Jelgava and seeing how “World Carnival” comes to life in ice.