2026 United Nations Eco-Design & Art Exhibition

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2026 United Nations Eco-Design & Art Exhibition

In-Between: Art & Design for a Sustainable Future

The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has now entered a critical stage of implementation. The realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is currently confronted with increasingly complex and interrelated global challenges.

Ecological art and design, as a medium connecting natural ecosystems, social structures, and human values, possesses a unique capacity for ecological education, value communication, and cross-disciplinary empathy. It offers a vital and dynamic pathway for translating sustainable development principles into cultural and social practice.

This exhibition is guided by four core UN Sustainable Development Goals:
SDG 16, SDG 3, SDG 11, and SDG 15

Artists worldwide are invited to engage with ecological art through humanistic expression and social responsibility, responding to themes of peace, health, urban coexistence, and ecological preservation.

The programme will take place across Vienna and Turin in August 2026, as part of the UN Art for SDGs framework and the World Eco-Design Conference.

Organised by WECTIA,  this international exhibition brings together emerging artists and designers responding to urgent global ecological and social challenges.

Selected works will be considered for the UN Eco-Design Award, as part of the UN Art for SDGs programme, which supports creative practices aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. The award recognises outstanding contributions in ecological innovation, sustainability, and creative practice.

The programme focuses on four key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

 

  • SDG 16 — Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  • SDG 3 — Good Health and Well-being

  • SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities and Communities

  • SDG 15 — Life on Land

About Art for SDGs

Art for SDGs is a United Nations–aligned initiative that supports exhibitions and creative projects engaging with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It provides a platform for artists and designers to respond to global challenges through visual, spatial, and interdisciplinary practices.

By connecting creative work with themes such as sustainability, public well-being, urban development, and ecological responsibility, the programme highlights the role of art and design in shaping cultural awareness and contributing to sustainable futures.

This Open Call includes three key opportunities:

1. United Nations Exhibition — Vienna
Selected works will be presented within the United Nations Headquarters in Vienna, as part of the official Art for SDGs programme.

2. International Exhibition — Turin
Selected artists will be exhibited at Museo MIIT, Turin, an established contemporary art museum with international curatorial programmes.

Know more about the Meseo MIIT here

AREAS OF FOCUS:

We welcome submissions that engage with one or more of the following themes:

1. Peace & Justice

Exploring social trust, conflict resolution, and inclusive systems.

2. Health & Well-being

Addressing physical and mental health, care systems, and dignity of life.

3. Sustainable Cities & Communities

Reimagining urban coexistence, resilience, and ecological living.

4. Life on Land

Focusing on biodiversity, ecosystem restoration, and human–nature relationships.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

We welcome submissions across disciplines, including:

  • Painting, drawing, digital 

  • Sculpture and installation

  • Photography

  • Video and moving image

  • Design and interdisciplinary practices

  • Craft and cultural heritage practices

All works must be:

 

  • Original

  • Created within the past two years

SELECTED ARTISTS WILL RECEIVE:

Exhibition Benefits
Recognition

  • Certificate of Participation in the UN Art for SDGs Exhibition

  • Recognised as a Sustainability Art & Design Fellow

  • Official recommendation letter issued by the exhibition jury

International Exposure & Opportunities

  • Inclusion in the global touring exhibition programme, with presentations in Vienna and other international venues

  • Recommendation of selected works to international museums and galleries, with support for acquisition applications and curatorial connections

Media Exposure

  • Feature coverage across international art media platforms, including Juliet Art Magazine and Metropolis Web

Award Benefits (Selected Winners Only)

Award recipients will receive:

Official Recognition

  • Shiyi Art Award certificate and medal

  • Enhanced professional credentials for international exhibitions and career development

Exhibition & Collection Opportunities

  • Priority inclusion in the global touring exhibition programme

  • Direct recommendation to international museums, galleries, and collectors

  • Support for acquisition applications and curator / collector connections

  • Selected works may receive official museum collection certification (e.g. Museo MIIT, Turin)

International Media Exposure

  • Dedicated feature or editorial coverage in leading international art media
    (including Juliet Art MagazineMetropolis We, and partner platforms)

 

Organised by WECTIA and co-organised by A4U&Spira9art.

For further inquiries or additional details, please contact us at: info@spira9.art 

Prize Summary: 
UN Eco-Design Award
Prizes Details: 

3. UN Eco-Design Award

Prize
Prize Name: Ecological Art Practitioner Award
Awarded By: Organizing Committee of the 2026 Youth Eco Art Exhibtion
Venue: United Nations Headquarters
Date: 4 August 2026
All selected works will be considered for the UN Eco-Design Award, recognising outstanding contributions in ecological innovation, sustainability, and creative practice.

Event date: 
August 15, 2026
Location: 
This Open Call includes three key opportunities: 1. United Nations Exhibition — Vienna Selected works will be presented within the United Nations Headquarters in Vienna, as part of the official Art for SDGs programme. 2. International Exhibition — Turin Selected artists will be exhibited at Museo MIIT, Turin, an established contemporary art museum with international curatorial programmes.
Deadline: 
30/June/2026

Entry Fee:

Fee Detail: 
fee in the form
Contact & Links: 
Call for Submissions

Kreatif Magazine

Tryon

Kreatif Magazine

25/June/2026

Call for Artists

Carmela Loiacono

Lecce

Call for Artists: NATURAL FLOW – The Second Edition 2026 | Lecce

15/June/2026

Call for Artists

Al-Tiba9 Contemporary Art

Call For Artists | Al-Tiba9 Magazine Issue22

14/June/2026

Call for Artists

Nomad Art Cultural Association

Lisbon

Nomad Art Prize

30/July/2026

Call for Artists

Carmela Loiacono

Lecce

Call for Artists: NATURAL FLOW – The Second Edition 2026 | Lecce

15/June/2026

Call for Artists

OMMFA

London

Open Call (OMMFA × London Design Festival 2026) x THE WAY

15/July/2026

Call for Artists

La Maldita Estampa

BARCELONA

OPEN CALL / PRINT RESIDENCY - BARCELONA - SUMMER/ La Maldita Estampa 2026

30/June/2026

Call for Entries

Der Greif

Der Greif - Issue 19 by Zanele Muholi

20/June/2026

Call for Artists

Athens Printmaking Art Center - Pandolfini & Siaterli

Astypalea

Printmaking Masterclass | Astypalea 2026 | Deadline Extended: 30/06

30/June/2026

Call for Artists

Barbagelata Contemporary Art Foundation

#International

Open Call: Solo Online Exhibition Program!

30/June/2026

Residency

AADK Spain

Blacna, Blanca (Murcia region)

SYMPOIESIS / SITUATED Residencies / 2027 / Early call

14/June/2026

Call for Entries

Spiva Center For The Arts

JOPLIN

CALL FOR ART| Press Play: Collage in Print

22/June/2026

Call for Artists

James Bake

Gulfport

Gulfport Fine Arts Festival

31/July/2026

Call for Artists

Primo Piano Special Projects

Lecce

LIQUID REALITIES: Visions in a State of Flow in Italy

31/July/2026

Call for Artists

Lottozero

Prato

Textile Art Factory

15/June/2026

Call for Artists

Arte Laguna Prize

Venice

Arte Laguna Prize 2026 - 21st Edition

30/June/2026

Call for Artists

Kolaj Institute

New Orleans

Collage Publishing Workshop

06/July/2026

Contest

Anthology Magazine

Anthology Short Story Competition 2026

31/July/2026

Residency

Green Olive Arts

Tetouan

Moroccan Art Residency - Open call Fall 2026

23/June/2026