The Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) launched the “Virtual Prize for Calligraphy, Patterns and Miniatures” in celebration of the International Day of Islamic Art. Bahrain made the proposition and UNESCO adopted it at the 39^th General Conference.  The Day is observed every 18^th of November.

The application is open to all calligraphers and visual artists to discover their talents in calligraphy and pattern design using virtual tools and techniques. The aim is to promote talents and creativity in the field and ensure the sustainability of the intangible cultural heritage that all ICESCO Member States share.

The initiative is part of the “Distance Culture” Program of the “Global Humanitarian Coalition.” ICESCO launched during the lockdown period resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Participation is open to all artists from the Member States and all age groups. The text submitted as part of the Prize must include the first paragraph of the Charter of the Organization.

Participation is open in the categories of calligraphy or miniatures or both, provided that the works be relevant to the topic of choice, and the work submitted consists of a high-resolution image. No special techniques, traditional or modern, are required in the making.

Participants must email their works from November 23, 2020 to February 23,  2021 at the address: calligraphie@icesco.org. A jury will select the 12 candidates eligible to join ICESCO’s mobile international museum and exhibition. The 12 original works (not virtual copies) should be sent by post to the Organization’s mailing address. The jury will select the three winning works.

The first winner will receive USD 5000, the second USD 3000, and the third USD 1500.

The National Commissions and relevant parties in the Member States will announce the Prize in their respective countries. The participation form and guidelines are available on ICESCO’s website.