Competition / Exhibition / ART Fair

PASTELium 

PASTELium : International Pastel Competition

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WELCOME

PASTELIUM

International Pastel Competition

Exhibition dates: December 5–11, 2026
Registration closes on November 28, 2026
Exhibition address:
14 Gogolevsky Boulevard, bldg. 3, Moscow
"GOGOL ART" Moscow Center of Contemporary Arts

We invite artists from all over the world to take part in the international pastel painting competition.

PASTELium is more than just a competition. It is an exhibition of pastel art created for those who cherish the velvety texture of each stroke, seek new meanings within a traditional medium, and are ready to make their mark on the global stage.

PASTELium is more than just a contest. It is an art journey that spans exactly one season, embracing all four chapters of the year: the awakening of spring, the exuberance of summer, the melancholy of autumn, and the stillness of winter.Join us in any season — and become part of the year’s pastel chronicle.

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COMPETITION

An international contest for pastel masters.

A professional jury from over 10 countries evaluates the technique, originality, and artistic merit of the entries. Blind judging guarantees complete objectivity. Take part to gain recognition, receive expert reviews, and earn your chance to make history in the world of pastel art.

EXHIBITION

A showcase of the season's finest pastel works.

The competition's exhibition is a large-scale event hosted in prestigious galleries across Russia, Serbia, and other countries. Your works will be seen by thousands of visitors, art critics, and curators. For remote participants, an online gallery and high-quality printed reproductions are provided.

ART ​FAIR

An art platform for sales and collecting.

A unique opportunity to present your works directly to collectors and gallery owners. Enjoy direct sales, establish connections with art dealers, and have your portfolio included in the project's catalog. Art that finds its buyer.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

UNIQUE FEATURES

GEOGRAPHY

The international PASTELium competition brings together pastel artists from all corners of the globe. The project has already been held in 14 countries, and we continue to expand our reach so that the art of pastel resonates across all continents. Participation is open to artists from any country — regardless of their place of residence or level of experience.

CATEGORIES

We have created a space where every artist can find their niche. The competition features 12 categories, allowing us to embrace the entire spectrum of pastel art — from academic techniques to bold, original experiments.

Go to the Nomination section

MISSION

The international PASTELium competition was founded to promote the art of pastel. The project is dedicated to fostering cultural exchange and sharing experiences among artists from different countries, helping talented individuals receive comprehensive support and the opportunity to participate in international pastel events.

JURY

The organizers take special pride in the composition of the Expert Council / jury, whose professional insight will help identify the finest works from a multitude of entries. The Expert Council features a constellation of world-renowned pastelists and leaders of international pastel artist communities.

CATALOGUE

All PASTELium competition participants are featured in the international catalogue "PASTELium in the WORLD." This is not merely a certificate, but a full-fledged printed publication featuring a reproduction of your work. The catalogue serves as a valuable addition to your portfolio and a significant step in your artistic career.

A UNIQUE FORMAT

The hallmark of the project is the synergy of three formats. You are not merely competing: the finest works are exhibited at prestigious venues, and the final exhibition transforms into an art fair where art can find its collector. This is a rare opportunity for a pastel artist to achieve recognition, publicity, and commercial success all at once.

LOCATIONS

PROJECT GEOGRAPHY

China, Beijing

Belgium, Brussels

Italy, Florence

France, Paris

Russia, 
Moscow, 
St. Petersburg

Latvia, Riga

Belarus, Vitebsk

Czech Republic, Prague

GEOGRAPHY

PASTELium around the world

Since its inception in 2016, the project has united artists from 48 countries across the globe.We take pride in building a community where artists exchange ideas, draw inspiration, and achieve recognition. The competition serves a dual purpose: it honors academic traditions while spotlighting new talents who are boldly pushing the boundaries of the material.

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48

48 ​countries — the number of countries whose citizens have taken part in the project over its history.

1400+

1400+​ artworks — the total number of artworks accepted since the project's inception.

50+

55 — ​jury members (or 50+) — experts from 16 countries around the world.

10

years — the project has been running for a decade, since 2016.

STEP BY STEP

HOW TO PARTICIPATEP

Repare your finest pastel works — the ones where pigment and paper resonate in perfect harmony. For high-quality digital photography, use diffused daylight: natural light by a window is ideal, but avoid direct sunlight to prevent glare and harsh shadows. Each file must be between 1 and 10 MB — this is sufficient for the jury to appreciate every nuance of your technique and color transitions. 
Upload your artworks, fill out the application form, and become part of the PASTELium community.

STEP 1

Upload each pastel artwork via the online form.

APPLY TO THE PASTELium 
Contest

STEP 2

Await confirmation from the Organizing Committee that your works have been accepted for the competition.

STEP 3

Complete the payment via the link provided by the Organizing Committee and email a copy of the receipt to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

FINISH

If participating in person:
Bring or send your pastel works to the exhibition.

If participating remotely:
Stay tuned for exhibition updates on the project's social media.

COMMUNICATION

REGISTRATION & ACCREDITATION

PARTICIPANT REGISTRATION

APPLY TO

PRESS & MEDIA ACCREDITATION

PRESS ACCREDITATION

IMPORTANT LINKS

PROJECT MATERIALS

RULES & REGULATIONS

Необходимая информация для участия

Essential information for participation
Go to the "Rules" section

Read the rules

PARTICIPANTS

Photo galleries and reports

Go to the "Participant Galleries" section

View

WINNERS

Laureates and winners by year

Go to the "Winners List" section (или: "List of Winners")

View

PASTELium

International Pastel Artists Competition

Exhibition dates: December 5–11, 2026
Registration deadline: November 28, 2026
Exhibition address:
14 Gogolevsky Boulevard, bldg. 3, Moscow
"GOGOL ART" Moscow Center of Contemporary Arts

APPLY TO PASTELIUM

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