Kaunas Announces Open Call for the International Sculpture Symposium 2026

The Lithuanian Artists’ Association Kaunas department, together with the municipality, invites professional artists to take part in the International Sculpture Symposium 2026. Taking place in the city from August 17 to September 13, the event will bring together creators from various countries who will enrich Kaunas’ public spaces with high‑quality granite sculptures. The symposium is dedicated to Kaunas Modernism, which has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Continuing a Success Story

In 2025, after a break of more than two decades, the International Sculpture Symposium was revived and became a major cultural event in Kaunas. The open call attracted nearly 40 applicants who proposed one or more monumental works for the city. Ultimately, ten artists from Lithuania, Latvia, and Ukraine were selected, making a significant contribution to the enhancement of Mažasis Ąžuolynas Park with their works.

This year the initiative continues, with plans to select 15 professional sculptors who will create contemporary and unexpected interpretations of modernism. The project is expected to become an important impulse for the city’s architectural and cultural identity, encouraging both residents and visitors to rediscover the values of Kaunas Modernism. Participants will be invited to creatively interpret both the tangible and intangible heritage of the period, highlighting the aesthetics of modernist optimism and its relevance in today’s urban environment.

“I am genuinely happy to see Kaunas opening up in new ways through art. The artists coming to the symposium from different countries view our modernism from completely different angles—they interpret it boldly and with great creativity. This also allows us, those who live here, to look at our city and everyday spaces anew, as if discovering them for the first time. Most importantly, the city gains high‑quality works with lasting value,” said Kaunas Mayor Mr. Visvaldas Matijošaitis.

According to Mr. V. Matijošaitis, several dozen new sculptures of various kinds are expected to appear in the city this year. The symposium not only provide artists with opportunities to work, but also help to commemorate the city’s history.

An important part of this year’s program will once again be a series of public events and open activities, organized together with symposium participants and partners. The most curious visitors will be able to explore the creative site, observe the artistic process up close, meet the artists, and ask questions.

Favorable Conditions for Creative Work

Applications to participate in the symposium are accepted until April 30. Candidates are invited to submit a project proposal inspired by Kaunas Modernism, including idea visualizations (in PDF or JPG format), a concept description clearly presenting the artistic idea and its implementation approch, as well as a portfolio of previous work (maximum size: 10 MB).

Applications should be sent by email to [email protected], with the subject line: “International Sculpture Symposium 2026.”

An independent panel of experts will evaluate all submissions based on creativity, feasibility, and relevance to the theme. Selected artists will receive full funding and detailed guidelines for the realization of their works.

The symposium organizers will ensure all necessary conditions for creative work: each artist will be provided with 2 cubic meters of granite, all required materials and tools, and an honorarium of €8,000. Continuous technical assistance throughout the creative process, as well as accommodation and meals, will also be provided.

The total projected budget of the project is €360,200, of which nearly €328,500 will be allocated by the Kaunas City Municipality. The remaining organizational costs will be covered by the Lithuanian Artists’ Association Kaunas department

Candidates can find inspiration and learn more about Kaunas Modernism at whc.unesco.org/ and modernist.kaunas.lt/en/.