IV FINEness International Art Festival
Echo of Form
17 – 19 April 2026
Ignacy Historic Mine, Rybnik (Poland)
“Where matter becomes emotion”
About the Festival
The FINEness International Art Festival is a unique cultural event that, since its very beginning, has created a space for encounters between art and architecture, between tradition and modernity, between artists and audiences from all over the world.
In 2026, the festival returns for its fourth edition and once again transforms the Ignacy Historic Mine in Rybnik into a pulsating center of international artistic dialogue.
This year’s theme – “Echo of Form” – highlights the resonance between structure and emotion, geometry and imagination, history and the present moment. The industrial heritage of the mine is no longer just a backdrop but a living protagonist of the festival’s artistic narrative.
Echo of Form
The Artistic Vision
Form as memory
The geometry and rhythm of the mine’s architecture inspire paintings, installations, and performances.
Space as a creative partner
Site-specific works and performances engage directly with the architecture.
Multidisciplinarity as strength
Watercolour, painting, sculpture, photography, performance, digital art, sound and light merge into one shared story.
Transformation as experience
the former site of labor becomes a site of culture, and the viewer transforms from a passive observer into an active participant.
Open Call – Watercolour Contest 
At the heart of the festival lies the International Watercolour Contest, an open invitation for artists worldwide to explore the theme “Echo of Form” through the delicate yet powerful medium of watercolour.
Submissions are now open!
The finalists’ works will be exhibited in the evocative industrial setting of the Ignacy Historic Mine during the festival.
1
Theme
• Main Theme: Where matter becomes emotion
• Additional Category: Open theme
2
Dimentions of work
Format: 38 × 56 cm (invited artists: 56 × 76 cm).
3
Medium
• Allowed: watercolour on paper; pencil and watercolour ink.
• Permitted up to 10%: acrylic, collage, crayon, pastel.
• Not allowed: prints, photographs, reproductions, or AI-generated works.
Digital Submission Guidelines:
• File format: .jpg / .jpeg
• Resolution: 300 dpi
• File size: 2–3 MB
• File name: Name – Country – Title – Year – Size – Price
• Images must show only the painting (cropped, correct orientation, no frames or background).
• Submitted images will be used in the festival catalogue – high-quality photos are required.
Key Dates
Deadline for digital submissions: 23.12.2025 – NEW DEADLINE!
Announcement of selected works: 10.01.2026
Payment deadline: 25.01.2026
Final date for EMS shipping of originals: 01.03.2026
Exhibition & Awards Ceremony: 17.04.2026
Competition rules
This year’s theme – “Echo of Form / Where matter becomes emotion” – opens a wide space for artistic interpretation: a dialogue between structure and feeling, geometry and imagination, memory and transformation.
Selected works will be exhibited at the Ignacy Historic Mine in Rybnik, a place where industrial heritage resonates with contemporary art.
Key Dates
• Deadline for digital submissions: 23.12.2025 – extended deadline for submitting
• Announcement of selected works: 10.01.2026
• Payment deadline: 25.01.2026
• Final date for EMS shipping of originals: 01.03.2026
• Exhibition & Awards Ceremony: 17.04.2026
Categories
• Main Theme: Where matter becomes emotion
• Additional Category: Open theme
Rules & Conditions of Entry
1. Open to all watercolour artists (18+), regardless of nationality or experience.
2. Each artist may submit only one work.
3. Medium:
• Allowed: watercolour on paper; pencil and watercolour ink.
• Permitted up to 10%: acrylic, collage, crayon, pastel.
• Not allowed: prints, photographs, reproductions, or AI-generated works.
4. Original works only:
• no copies, reproductions, or workshop/class work
• If using photographic references, the artist must hold permission from the copyright owner.
5. Works must have been created within the last 2 years.
6. Format: 38 × 56 cm (invited artists: 56 × 76 cm).
7. Works must be submitted without frames and without passe-partout.
8. Submissions are accepted only in electronic form.
Digital Submission Guidelines (electronic form)
• File format: .jpg / .jpeg
• Resolution: 300 dpi
• File size: 2–3 MB
• File name: Name – Country – Title – Year – Size – Price
• Images must show only the painting (cropped, correct orientation, no frames or background).
• Submitted images will be used in the festival catalogue – high-quality photos are required.
Submissions must be sent by email to: participation@finenessfestival.art
Participation Fee
Payment applies only if the work is selected for the exhibition:
• IWS members: 70 EUR
• Non-members: 100 EUR
• Country leaders submitting at least 5 artists: free of charge
Shipping of Originals
• Originals must be shipped only after selection and payment of the participation fee.
• Only EMS (Express Mail Service) shipments are accepted.
• Each painting must be accompanied by the official entry form (provided after selection).
• The artist is responsible for safe packaging. The organizer cannot be held responsible for damages during transport.
• All customs duties or legal charges resulting from incorrect declaration of value are the full responsibility of the artist. If a value other than the one indicated in the shipping instructions is declared, the artist assumes all financial responsibility.
Evaluation Criteria
The jury will evaluate works based on:
• interpretation of the theme Where matter becomes emotion,
• originality and innovation,
• technical quality,
• emotional impact,
• compositional and aesthetic coherence.
Awards
• 1st, 2nd and 3rd Prizes – artistic awards and certificates.
• Additional sponsor awards and special mentions.
• All selected works will be published in the festival catalogue and exhibited at the Ignacy Historic Mine.
• Prizes are non-exchangeable – no cash alternatives.
Copyright & Reproduction
• The artist retains full copyright of their work.
• By entering the competition, the artist grants the organizers the right to reproduce submitted images for promotional purposes (catalogue, website, social media, press).
• Works remain the property of the artist; any sale must take place directly between the artist and the buyer.
Important Information
• By entering the competition, participants agree to be bound by all rules and conditions of entry.
• IWS Poland and the festival organizers will not be held responsible for circumstances beyond their control (e.g. customs delays, shipping issues, or force majeure).
Open Call – IV FINEness International Art Festival – Echo of Form is an invitation to join a global dialogue in watercolour, where matter transforms into emotion and space becomes art.
Submissions: participation@finenessfestival.art
Program
The detailed program of the 4th FINEness International Art Festival – including workshops, exhibitions, live painting sessions, performances and interactive events – will be announced soon.
Stay tuned and follow our updates to be the first to know!
17 April 2026
18 April 2026
19 April 2026
Be Part of the Festival!
Join as a Volunteer
FINEness is not only about art – it is also about the people who make it happen. Each edition of the festival is brought to life by a passionate team of artists, organizers and volunteers working together towards a common vision.
We are looking for volunteers who want to experience the festival from the inside and become part of an international event.
We welcome open-minded, creative, and enthusiastic people ready to join our team.
As a volunteer you will:
collaborate with artists from different countries,
gain valuable experience in organizing an international cultural event,
become part of a team that creates something truly extraordinary.
If you want to join us, send your application to:
Our Team
IWS Poland (International Watercolor Society Poland)
An organization dedicated to promoting the art of watercolour, supporting artists, and fostering international artistic exchange. Through their passion and vision, the FINEness Festival has grown into a recognized event on the international art scene.
Ignacy Historic Mine
Once a symbol of industry, today a space for culture and creation. Its authentic industrial character gives the festival its unique depth and atmosphere.
Partner
Educational partner
Sponsors
Media patronage
Patronage
