Kazakhstan National Federation of Clubs for UNESCO announces the opening of the application process for the artistic cycle of the International Youth Festival THE PLANET OF ART – 2026, a large-scale cultural and educational project that brings together children and young people from around the world through art and the ideas of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.

In 2026, the artistic cycle of the festival is dedicated to the theme “The Role of Women in the Safeguarding and Promotion of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage”. Participants are invited to creatively reflect and depict in their works the image of women as guardians of traditions, cultural memory, and the living heritage of peoples. Through artistic expression, young creators will be able to illustrate the importance of women in transmitting knowledge, crafts, rituals, and cultural practices from generation to generation.

The festival is held within the framework of Kazakhstan’s Chairmanship of the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs and Associations (WFUCA) and is also dedicated to the 80th anniversary of UNESCO and the 45th anniversary of WFUCA.

Children and young people aged 3 to 18 from different countries are invited to participate. Young artists may submit their works in the categories of fine arts and decorative and applied arts, exploring the festival theme through national traditions, cultural symbols, and artistic imagery. The application submission period will remain open until May 10 of the current year.

The project has a strong social and educational focus and aims to support talented children and adolescents by creating opportunities to develop their creative potential and explore intangible cultural heritage. Participation in the festival is free of charge, allowing children and young people from dozens of countries - including those from remote and underserved regions - to take part. The festival will also provide young artists with a valuable platform to connect with the professional art community and prominent cultural figures of Kazakhstan.

The culmination of the project will be the publication of the thematic art album “Living Heritage: The Role of Women”, which will feature the works of the festival finalists. The award ceremony will take place in September 2026 in Almaty, while the best artworks will be showcased at an international exhibition at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris in October 2026.

The project is implemented by the Kazakhstan National Federation of Clubs for UNESCO with the support of the National Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan for UNESCO and ICESCO, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Akimat of Almaty.

Participation guidelines are available at the following LINK

Organizers’ contacts:


+7 700 394 3232
unescoclubs.kz
art.kazfuca@gmail.com