Open Call: Heritage of Timișoara 2026 Illustration Competition

Heritage of Timișoara is launching an illustration competition for undergraduate and master’s students in visual arts, design, and architecture across Romania.

We are continuing the initiative launched in 2017, through which we invite artists and illustrators to discover and interpret Timișoara’s architectural heritage. Over the years, the illustrations created as part of the programme have become tools for telling the stories of the city’s buildings, making them easier to discover and bringing heritage closer to the public.

In 2026, we are opening this component of the programme to undergraduate and master’s students for the first time, through a competition that will select 10 participants, each of whom will create an original illustration dedicated to a building in Timișoara.

Who can apply?

The competition is open to people aged 18 or over who are undergraduate or master’s students enrolled at faculties of visual arts, design and/or architecture in Romania, regardless of their specialisation or year of study.

What do you need to submit?

To apply, you must choose one building from the list included in Annex 1 of the Competition Rules and prepare a relevant portfolio, one or more sketches for your proposed illustration, a short description of the concept, and proof of your student status.

The sketch does not need to be a finished work. We are interested in your artistic direction, the way you choose to look at the building, and how you propose to interpret it visually.

To get a sense of how we work, the artists we have collaborated with, and the illustrations created so far as part of Heritage of Timișoara, you can explore our collection at heritageoftimisoara.ro/ro/ilustratii. The existing works are intended as a reference for understanding the programme, not as stylistic models that applicants are expected to follow.

What happens after the selection?

The jury will select 10 participants, each working on a different building. Each selected participant will create a final illustration, and each work completed and submitted in accordance with the Competition Rules will receive a gross prize of RON 1,500.

During the production period, we will also facilitate documentation and artistic development activities, which may include mentoring sessions with illustrators, guided tours, and information sessions. Where available, we will also provide participants with additional information or documentation materials about their chosen buildings.

The selected illustrations will become part of the Heritage of Timișoara collection and will subsequently be used in exhibitions, publications, editorial and educational materials, postcards, cultural mediation activities, and other formats through which the programme presents the city’s architectural heritage.

No generative AI

The competition is dedicated to original artistic creation. The use of generative artificial intelligence tools to create all or part of the sketch, proposal, or final illustration is not permitted.

CALENDAR

Applications: 25 September - 11 October 2026, 23:59
Jury evaluation: 12-13 October 2026
Announcement of selected participants: 14 October 2026
Development of final illustrations: 14 October - 1 November 2026
Final submission deadline: 1 November 2026, 23:59

How to apply

Please read the Competition Rules carefully and consult the list of eligible buildings in Annex 1. Complete the Application Form and prepare the required materials.

Applications must be sent to heritageoftimisoara@prinbanat.ro via a file transfer or file-sharing platform such as WeTransfer, Google Drive, or a similar service.

The competition is organised as part of the Heritage of Timișoara | Patrimoniul Timișoarei 2026-2027 cultural programme, organised by Asociația Prin Banat and funded by the Municipality of Timișoara through the Project Centre.

Partners of the Open Call: Faculty of Arts & Design, West University of Timișoara, CICASP