Global Digital Art and Design Competition 2026 with a ¥50,000 Cash Prize
Applicant criteria
- NationalityNo specific nationality required
- AgeNo specific age required
- GenderBoth
Opportunity criteria
- Opportunity FieldMusic, Art and Graphic Design, Photography and Filmmaking , Others
Fees3,000 ين ياباني- LocationRemotely
- Deadline2027-03-01
Opportunity description
Aion Laboratory, affiliated with Japan’s Ise-Shima Art Company, has opened applications for the 2nd Aion Digital Art Prize 2026–2027, an international art competition for artists, designers, and creatives of all nationalities and ages. The competition aims to encourage innovation in digital art, interactive art, and emerging technologies.
Participants may submit original artworks that use digital media and technology, including digital illustration, animation, video art, sound art, music, virtual reality, augmented reality, and interactive experiences. The competition also accepts works that use artificial intelligence as an assistive tool in the creative process, provided that the participant makes a clear artistic contribution and that the work is not created entirely by AI.
Both individual and group submissions are accepted, including works that have previously been exhibited or received awards in other competitions. The Grand Prize winner will receive JPY 50,000, while up to 35 outstanding works may receive certificates of recognition.
Participation Fields
The competition accepts a wide range of digital and technology-based art forms, including:
Digital and Computer Art: Artworks created using computers and digital software.
Electronic Art: Creative works that use electronic devices and systems.
Video and Animation: Video art, animation, and moving-image works.
Sound Art and Digital Music: Technology-based sound and musical experiences.
Interactive Art: Works that interact with audiences or use interactive digital systems.
Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR): Artistic experiences created using immersive technologies.
Digital Installations: Works that combine art and technology within physical or digital environments.
AI-Assisted Art: Works in which artists use artificial intelligence tools as part of a creative process directed by the artist.
Multimedia and New Media Art: Works combining images, sound, video, and various digital technologies.
Benefits
Grand Prize: A cash award of JPY 50,000, along with a printed certificate.
Aion Digital Art Prize Awards: Certificates of recognition for up to 35 winners.
Winners will be announced on the official website and notified by email.
Opportunity to gain international recognition for outstanding digital artworks.
Winning works may be promoted through the organizer’s official channels.
Eligibility criteria
Participation is open to artists and creatives of all nationalities and ages.
Applicants may participate individually or as part of a team.
The submitted work must be created by the applicant or participating team.
Works that have previously been exhibited or won other awards are eligible for submission.
Participants may submit multiple works, provided that each work is registered separately and the applicable fee is paid for each submission.
Artificial intelligence may be used as an assistive tool in the artistic production process, but works created entirely by AI are not accepted.
Applicants must clearly explain how AI tools were used if artificial intelligence was involved in the creative process.
Required files and links must be submitted and remain accessible to the judging panel until the results are announced.