Participate
Take part
Teachers, parents, art organisations and artists can take part with projects made with children and young people aged 4–18, and volunteers and school groups are part of the biennial too.
Open calls
There is no open call right now. Subscribe to the newsletter to hear about new calls.
Past calls
Closed2026 Volunteer ApplicationsThe biennial recruited its volunteer team for the 2026 edition through an online application form; the deadline was 20 March 2026.Closed2026 Digital Projects, Music and Performing Arts ApplicationsApplications for digital works (sound and image installations, video art) and for dance, music and drama performances closed on 22 February 2026; results were announced on 1 March 2026.Closed2026 Visual Arts Project ApplicationsApplications to the 8th International Istanbul Children and Youth Art Biennial were made with visual art projects created by children and young people, guided by teachers, adults or artists, around the theme “Let Your Art Meet Happiness”. Applications are closed.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply to the biennial?
According to the application guidelines, teachers at all types of schools working with students aged 4–18, parents, independent art organisations and artist-educators can apply. The biennial is open to all kinds of artistic work by kindergarten, primary, middle and high school students, made under the guidance of a teacher, adult or artist.
How does the application process work?
Teachers introduce the curator’s conceptual framework to their students, and the ideas that grow into projects are submitted through the project application form on the website. Applications are reviewed in stages by the Biennial Selection Committee and the curators; accepted projects are then produced and delivered on the announced dates. Students’ names are requested at a later stage, not in the application.
What are the selection criteria?
Works must be original and made without teacher intervention; made of durable materials that will not be damaged in transport or display; created by participants aged 4–18; innovative and in line with the year’s concept; accompanied by a meaningful concept text; suitable for the child’s age group; and free of discriminatory or exclusionary content. Projects by disadvantaged or disabled participants and collective projects are given priority.
Who owns the rights to the works?
All rights to the submitted projects, works and performances belong to the people and groups who made them. Photographs and footage of the works may be used in catalogues, posters, the website and promotional materials with the maker’s permission and a copyright transfer agreement.
How were works returned in 2026?
Works were collected by appointment from the venue where they were shown (Müze Gazhane or the Taksim Art Gallery) between 1 and 4 May 2026, daily from 10:00 to 18:00. A handover form had to be completed; works by participants outside Istanbul were packed by the biennial team and collected by cargo from 2 May.