Director: Victoria Mikhailova International Festival and Arts Competition "Warsaw Art Inspiration" October 23\24–26, 2026 25 October 2026 - Competition Day Warsaw, Poland Event Venue: City Center OKĘCKA SALA WIDOWISKOWA - DOM KULTURY WŁOCHY Stage size: 12 × 10 m Our main mission is to nurture a conscious and active cultural audience while fostering sensitivity to the arts. We create a space for interaction between artists and audiences, where meaningful dialogue takes place. Our goal is to promote deeper understanding, inspire new achievements, and encourage more effective creative and social development. Children’s, youth, and adult groups, as well as solo performers and small ensembles, are welcome to participate. Nominations: A detailed description of each genre is available at the end of the regulations to help participants choose the appropriate category: Choreography: folk dance and stylized folk dance, classical dance, contemporary/modern dance, jazz dance, artistic dance, street dance, ballroom and sports dance, stage dance, children’s dance, show performances, dance theatre, acrobatic choreography (formations and dance routines incorporating acrobatic elements), dances of the world, choreographic miniatures, experimental choreography and original choreography. K-pop, High Heels and Belly Dance styles are accepted only in the “Adults” age category. Folklore ensembles, ritual theatres, folk art ensembles, vocal ensembles, instrumental ensembles, vocal-instrumental ensembles, choirs, theatre arts, acting, fashion theatres and fashion shows, as well as other artistic categories in accordance with submitted applications. Technical requirements: The competition program is time-limited. Soloists, duets - 1 or 2 performances with a total duration of up to 4 minutes Trios, quartets - 1 or 2 performances with a total duration of up to 5 minutes Small groups (5-9 participants) - 1 or 2 performances with a total duration of up to 6 minutes Groups and ensembles (10 or more participants) - 1 or 2 performances with a total duration of up to 9 minutes Participants are entitled to compete in multiple genres by submitting separate applications and paying a separate fee for each entry. The festival is competitive in nature. Age groups: Mini kids: 4-6 years old Kids: 7-9 years old Children: 10-13 years old Junior: 14-17 years old Adults: 18 years old and above Senior: 50 years old and above Mixed groups To participate in the festival, it is necessary to submit an application along with a HIGH-QUALITY musical accompaniment. If the performance exceeds the reserved time in the application, the Organizer reserves the right to stop the performance. Awards: DIAMOND GRAND PRIX - the festival’s highest and most exclusive award, granted only in exceptional cases for outstanding artistic achievements by unanimous jury decision. The absolute winner receives the GRAND PRIX, a Grand Prix diploma, a commemorative gift, festival medals, individual diplomas, and a winner’s trophy. At the jury’s discretion, a Small Grand Prix may also be awarded. Winners of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th places receive festival medals, individual diplomas, and a trophy for the group or soloist. Participant Diploma - awarded to groups or soloists who receive a score below 4th place; participants also receive festival medals, individual diplomas, and a group trophy. Debut Diploma - for participants in the MINI KIDS category (ages 4–6); participants receive festival medals, individual diplomas, and a group trophy. Discovery of the Festival Diploma - may be awarded to a soloist, group, or choreographer for a notable creative breakthrough or an original staging concept. Best Choreography Diploma - for a choreographer or group for excellence in composition, musicality, and stage cohesion. Artistry Diploma - for exceptional emotion, charisma, and expressiveness. Best Costume Diploma - for originality and coherence of stage appearance. All teachers, choreographers, group leaders, and ensemble directors receive Certificates of Appreciation from the organizers and the jury. All participants are awarded commemorative gifts, festival backpacks, participant badges, magnets, festival notebooks, and other festival souvenirs (contents may vary). Festival fees: Groups (10 or more participants) - €18 per participant Groups (5–9 participants) - €20 per participant Quartets - €25 per participant Duos and Trios - €30 per participant Soloists - €35 per participant For each additional performance (in another genre category or as a second performance in the same category): Groups (10 or more participants): additional fee of €10 per participant for each extra entry Groups (5-9 participants): additional fee of €13 per participant for each extra entry Duets, trios, quartets: additional fee of €18 per participant for each extra entry Soloists: additional fee of €20 per participant for each extra entry Jury: The jury is formed by the organizers and consists of leading representatives of culture and the arts: professional performers, educators, choreographers, directors, musicians, and other distinguished figures from participating countries. The permanent jury includes 4-5 members. All performances are evaluated using a 10-point scoring system. The evaluation criteria are applied separately within each artistic category, age group, and participation format (soloist, small group, ensemble). This approach ensures objectivity, accuracy, and fairness in assessing artistic quality, performance skills, stage presentation, and the overall preparation of participants. The Jury has the right to: Provide recommendations and professional feedback to participants; Recognize outstanding performers and award special prizes; In consultation with the Organizing Committee, make decisions regarding amendments to the Festival Regulations or withhold awards in specific categories if deemed appropriate; Decide not to award the Grand Prix if the required level of points has not been achieved. All Jury decisions are final and cannot be appealed. Evaluation criteria: Vocalists 1. Vocal Technique – intonation, articulation, diction, and vocal control. 2. Interpretation – expressiveness, emotional delivery, and understanding of the piece. 3. Repertoire Selection – suitability to the performer’s age and vocal abilities. 4. Overall Artistic Impression – stage presence, audience engagement, and originality. Instrumentalists 1. Instrumental Technique – accuracy, precision, and technical proficiency. 2. Interpretation – expressiveness, emotional depth, and understanding of the composition. 3. Repertoire Selection – suitability to the performer’s age and abilities. 4. Overall Artistic Impression – stage presentation, audience engagement, and originality. Dance Groups 1. Dance Technique – precision of movement, synchronization, and technical execution. 2. Choreography – originality, complexity, and harmony with the music. 3. Interpretation – expressiveness, emotional impact, and communication of the performance’s character. 4. Overall Artistic Impression – costumes, props, and stage presentation. Dance Soloists 1. Dance Technique – precision of movement and technical execution. 2. Interpretation – expressiveness, emotional impact, and communication of the piece’s character. 3. Choreography – originality, complexity, and harmony with the music. 4. Overall Artistic Impression – costume, props, and stage presentation. Theatre Performances 1. Acting Skills – expressiveness, authenticity, and acting technique. 2. Stage Interpretation – coherence of the performance, emotional impact, and portrayal of characters and scenes. 3. Directing and Script – stage structure, pacing, and dramatic composition. 4. Overall Artistic Impression – costumes, stage design, lighting, and overall presentation. Fashion Theatres (Fashion Shows) 1. Collection Concept – stylistic consistency, creativity, and originality. 2. Stage Presentation – show choreography, movement, and use of stage space. 3. Relevance to Theme and Age Group – suitability for the participants’ age and the nature of the event. 4. Overall Aesthetic Impression – costumes, accessories, visual consistency, and overall composition. Choirs 1. Intonation and Ensemble Sound – pitch accuracy, balance, and vocal blend. 2. Articulation and Diction – clarity of text and pronunciation. 3. Interpretation – emotional expression, dynamics, and stylistic accuracy. 4. Overall Artistic Impression – stage presence, audience engagement, and expressiveness. Instrumental Ensembles 1. Ensemble Technique – precision, coordination among musicians, and rhythmic accuracy. 2. Interpretation – expressiveness and understanding of the musical form and style. 3. Repertoire Selection – suitability to the ensemble’s age and performance level. 4. Overall Artistic Impression – stage presentation, audience engagement, and originality. Program: 23/24.10.2026 – Arrival in Warsaw. Check-in at the hotel. Guided sightseeing tour of Warsaw. During the tour, participants will discover the most important landmarks of Poland’s capital, including Castle Square, the Royal Castle, the Old Town Market Square and the charming streets of Warsaw’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. During free time, we also recommend visiting the magnificent Wilanów Palace – one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture and royal heritage in Poland. Return to the hotel. Dinner. 25.10.2026 – COMPETITION DAY Breakfast. Festival day – stage rehearsals, soundcheck, and performance preparations. Official Opening Ceremony of the Festival. Competition performances and auditions. Free workshop (topic to be announced at a later date) conducted by a Polish choreographer, director, or dance and performing arts educator. In the evening – Grand Closing Gala, Awards Ceremony, and Official Festival Closing. Return to the hotel or hostel. Dinner. 26.10.2026 – Breakfast. Check-out in accordance with the hotel or hostel regulations. Free time. Departure of participants and return home. Participation fee: 2 HB in 2* hotel - 170 Euro per person 3 HB in 2* hotel - 225 Euro per person 2 HB in 3* hotel - 225 Euro per person 3 HB in 3* hotel - 310 Euro per person * For groups of at least 20 participants - 1 group leader free of charge (20+1). Participation fee includes: Accommodation in the selected option, in 3-4-bed rooms with private bathroom facilities. Meals: breakfast and dinner. Services begin with dinner on the day of arrival and end with breakfast on the day of departure. Guided sightseeing tour of Warsaw. Official invitation letters and participation confirmation documents. Accommodation for group leaders and drivers in twin rooms. Participation fee does not include: Festival (registration) fee. Transportation. Optional excursions and entrance tickets to museums and tourist attractions. Personal expenses and local public transportation. * The Organizers assist participating groups with arranging additional meals, transportation services, and other logistical matters related to their participation in the Festival. Information: Groups interested in participating must submit an application form together with their musical accompaniment. A group delegation may include performers as well as accompanying persons. There is no limit to the number of performers or accompanying group members. During the Festival, the Organizers may invite participating groups to take part in common Festival events, such as the Opening Ceremony, Closing Ceremony, parade, accompanying concerts, receptions, workshops, and other official activities. Participation in the official Festival events included in the program is mandatory for invited groups. Any group willing to participate must submit an Application form. Approved groups pay in advance 10% guarantee fee, which is to be deducted at the final payment.