Parallel Canvases is an international competition for visual and research projects that unites young artists, researchers, musicians, theater and film enthusiasts under the general educational movement. We are creating a space where art becomes the language of personality, and the city becomes its stage.
Every city in our international community is unique, And every person in it is unique, the facets of which our competition helps to reveal.
Every city in our international community is unique, And every person in it is unique, the facets of which our competition helps to reveal.
Theme of the year:
"City of Personalities: a space for growth and visual dialogue"
"City of Personalities: a space for growth and visual dialogue"
The participants reveal the topic through visual, performative and research formats, choosing one of the Parallel Canvases nominations for themselves.
Thematic conferences are held to help the participants and to develop the community. Such as #Giftimage to the Parallel Canvases art database, helping to make themselves known to a wide audience or helping to organize their own project in music, theater and visual arts with an explanation of how to do this based on the experience of curators and experts.
LEARN MORE
Let the world see you.
about us
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The competition is open to students, researchers and mentors.
Age: up to 30 years
Individually or in teams (up to 3 people)
In the Curatorial Project category, there is no age limit for participations.
Read the Competition Regulations
Age: up to 30 years
Individually or in teams (up to 3 people)
In the Curatorial Project category, there is no age limit for participations.
Read the Competition Regulations
Parallel
nominations
nominations
RESEARCH PROJECT
ART
MEDIA
WINNERS
The rest of the nominations will appear here soon
3
Oleg Amphiteatrov
Curatorial project
3
Mikhail Zatevakhin
Research essay
Next Winner
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Our Philosophy
Several Countries
One Question
One Question
Infinity of Forms
01
architecture of meaning
02
Visual Issues
Media Nomination
Sub-nominations:
View Guide
Sub-nominations:
- Short Documentary Video (Edited as Fiction)
- Short Staged Video
- Classical Performance
- AR/ VR-installation
View Guide
03
Personality and Scale
Art Nomination
Sub-nominations:
View Guide
Sub-nominations:
- portrait in classical technique
- photography. urban portrait
- graffiti (photo + video of the process)
View Guide
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About the SUBnominations
Each contest category represents knowledge and skills needed to achieve a goal. Choose yours.
Read the Competition Regulations
curatorial project
- Curators of any age can participate
- up to 80,000 characters, PDF
- author or group of authors
research essay
Students and young people under 30 are welcome to participate.
up to 30,000 characters, PDF
author or group of authors
up to 30,000 characters, PDF
author or group of authors
documentary film edited like an fiction film
- Students and young people under 30 are welcome to participate.
- Up to 5-7 minutes, MP4, AAC+
- author or group of authors
staged video
- Students and young people under 30 are welcome to participate.
- Up to 15 minutes, MP4, MOV, AAC+, up to 500 M.
- Short text describing the concept (up to 500 words)
photograph. urban portrait
- A series of up to 5 photographs
- JPG, at least 2000 px on the long side
- Title and explanation of the series (up to 300 words)
performance
- in the classical interpretation
- Up to 5 minutes, MP4, AAC+, up to 350 Mb
- Short text describing the concept (up to 500 words)
portrait
Original size: no larger than A2 (ideally, A2)
Submission:
Submission:
- High-quality scanned image/photo
- Format: JPG, 300 dpi
- Description: technique, material, title, size, concept (up to 200 words)
graffiti / street-art / monumental painting
- Photo of the finished work
- Short video (up to 2 minutes) of the process
- Text: title, idea (up to 300 words)
1. JPG, PNG (resolution not less than 300 dpi)
2. Video - as proof of authorship and process
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new nomination
Digital Media:
AR / VR - Installation & Storytelling.
AR / VR - Installation & Storytelling.
Expand the canvas. Rethink the city. Reimagine the self.
Goal: Explore how digital reality interacts with the urban environment and personal history
Accepted formats:
Accepted formats:
- Video (MP4, up to 300 MB)
- Presentation (PDF or Google Slides)
- Links (open access)
learn more
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values of the contest
Values:
- onboarding,
- residencies with training*,
- residencies with a project,
- course creation,
- support and promotion,
- exhibitions and scientific publications,
- expanding academic geography for career development:
- publication with a curator's text,
- mentoring and recommendations,
- interviews,
- data in the project's and university's competition databases.
* Belarus, Serbia, China, Japan, russia
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Contest Regulations
REGULATIONS
of the PARALLEL CANVASES International Contest
of the PARALLEL CANVASES International Contest
1. General Provisions
The international competition "Parallel Canvases" (hereinafter referred to as the Contest), with the theme "City of Personalities: A Space for Growth and Visual Dialogue," is held as part of an annual competition of projects and creative works aimed at engaging young people in scientific research, fostering a positive image of scientists and creators, and drawing attention to issues of intercultural connections and dialogue in the educational and creative environment.
1.1. Contest Organizers Show more
1.1. Contest Organizers Show more
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our experts and jury
A collaboration of architects, great artists, musicians and mentors blesses you for submitting your project. And may the force be with you!
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Partners, Jury & Curators
Jury Show more
Experts and CuratorsShow more>
Semen Shyur - Associate Professor, Higher School of Design and Architecture, St. Petersburg Polytechnic University
Andrea Domesle - Doctor of Art History, curator of museums in Switzerland and Germany, lectures and conducts mentoring sessions in Basel
Kosuke Nagato - PhD Graduate School of Film and New Media, Tokyo University of the Arts
Vitaly Suslenkov – art historian in Late Antique and Early Christian art, Department of History and Theory of Christian Art, Faculty of Christian Art, St. Tikhon’s Orthodox University
Additional curators 2026 will be announced soon
Semen Shyur - Associate Professor, Higher School of Design and Architecture, St. Petersburg Polytechnic University
Andrea Domesle - Doctor of Art History, curator of museums in Switzerland and Germany, lectures and conducts mentoring sessions in Basel
Kosuke Nagato - PhD Graduate School of Film and New Media, Tokyo University of the Arts
Vitaly Suslenkov – art historian in Late Antique and Early Christian art, Department of History and Theory of Christian Art, Faculty of Christian Art, St. Tikhon’s Orthodox University
Additional curators 2026 will be announced soon
- Academic and Institutional Partners
- Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University
- Ambrosiana Academy, Milan
- Siberian Federal University, Krasnoyarsk
- University of Belgrade
- Academy of Fine Arts, Bologna
- St. Tikhon's Orthodox University for the Humanities, Moscow
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mentions
They See in Touch Us
Here are some TESTIMONIALS from our PARTICIPANTS WHO WANT to share their Parallel canvases experience
Maxim Ermachkov
Program Director at PromTekhDesign"s Tochka Kipeniya
"We supported the project and provided a platform for the "Add an Image to the Parallel Canvases Art Database" event.."
Read Full mention
Tatyana Khosireva
Patronessa of the Arts
"Our life consists of encounters. I have experienced this pleasure myself—a series of meetings with the great people of this world.
Read Full Review
Yu Shuai
student of musical theater directing
"Every day gives me new sensations, new experiences, new perspectives.
Read Full Review
Marina Kuznetzova
Head of the Department of Print Graphics at SPbGUPTD
"I am ready to support the project by conducting a master class on printed graphics."
Read Full mention
Snjezan Lalovich
Documentary film director at the Film School, Serbia
"I would be happy to cooperate with you, involving students from the Academy of Serbia"
Read Full Review
Mariya Travina
Director of the Fundamental Library of Sзипгзев
"...This is a significant platform .. contributing to the formation of a new social and visual cultural space"
Read Full mention
Maxim Ermachkov
"We are ready to support the project and provide a venue for the "Give an Image to the Parallel Canvases Art Database" event."
Tatyana Khosireva
"Our life is made up of encounters. I have experienced this pleasure myself – a series of meetings with the great figures of this world.
The images that your competition offers, from distant visual encounters to close live interactions, represent a world that brings everyone around closer to the best.
Denis Matsuev broke the legs of a piano, whereas you have many young talents who bring their creative energy into the world, breaking old stereotypes. This is largely thanks to digital opportunities and the new charisma of emerging creators. I am delighted that your project brings new stars to science and the arts."
The images that your competition offers, from distant visual encounters to close live interactions, represent a world that brings everyone around closer to the best.
Denis Matsuev broke the legs of a piano, whereas you have many young talents who bring their creative energy into the world, breaking old stereotypes. This is largely thanks to digital opportunities and the new charisma of emerging creators. I am delighted that your project brings new stars to science and the arts."
Yu Shuai
"Why I decided to be here: because there are wonderful... um... such amazing professors. Only here are there teachers like this. Every day gives me new sensations, new experiences, new perspectives"
Marina Kuznetsova
"I am ready to support the project by conducting a master class on printed graphics."
Snezjan Lalovich
"I would be happy to cooperate with you, involving students from the Academy of Serbia to participate in such competitions with their projects. This is very interesting. We will try to help young authors to showcase themselves."
Mariya Travina
"...This is a significant platform for developing the potential of students and young artists, contributing to the formation of a new social and visual cultural space."
FAQ
To participate in the Competition, there is an entry fee:
— 3,000 rubles / $150 for international participants
— publication in a collection/catalog: 2,000 rubles (optional)
More details in Положении конкурса
— 3,000 rubles / $150 for international participants
— publication in a collection/catalog: 2,000 rubles (optional)
More details in Положении конкурса
- participation in the Exhibition Parallel Canvases,
- international publications with curatorial text,
- interviews.
All students, artists, and researchers aged 18 to 30, from any university or individually.
Curators of any age are welcome to apply for the "Curatorial Project" category.
Curators of any age are welcome to apply for the "Curatorial Project" category.
You must register for the contest in the appropriate category. Provide a link to your entry, which meets the criteria and the year's theme, "City of Personalities: A Space for Growth and Visual Dialogue," and any materials. Provide your contact information.
If you're a curator, register here.
And then, join us in creating the story of you, us, and our shared experiences in Parallel Canvases.
If you're a curator, register here.
And then, join us in creating the story of you, us, and our shared experiences in Parallel Canvases.
You can submit your application up to and including February 15, 2026.
Register (and learn the rules) for the networking conference here,
Choose one of the ways to Gift an Image:
1. By tagging @parallelcanvases + #giveimage with a post or story,
2. Through the registration form,
3. By posting with #giftanimage + #parallelcanvases on social media,
4. By sending the contest email to post your Image on the contest channels and blogs.
5. By participating in the conference.
It all depends on your capabilities and desires.
Participation in #GiveImage does not obligate you to participate in the contest.
Join us in the fashionable #FamousNamesPC format with an interview for the magazine!
What is it? - Find out at the event on February 2nd.
Be at Parallel Canvases events. To tell more about yourself, for example, at the conference. Or to find a way to develop your projects through networking.
Choose one of the ways to Gift an Image:
1. By tagging @parallelcanvases + #giveimage with a post or story,
2. Through the registration form,
3. By posting with #giftanimage + #parallelcanvases on social media,
4. By sending the contest email to post your Image on the contest channels and blogs.
5. By participating in the conference.
It all depends on your capabilities and desires.
Participation in #GiveImage does not obligate you to participate in the contest.
Join us in the fashionable #FamousNamesPC format with an interview for the magazine!
What is it? - Find out at the event on February 2nd.
Be at Parallel Canvases events. To tell more about yourself, for example, at the conference. Or to find a way to develop your projects through networking.
There are 3 ways to participate:
• Support the donation project and receive a postcard, magazine, or access to the virtual gallery
• Join as a volunteer, participant, or partner
• Participate in #GiveImage and #FamousNamesPC and become part of the community and the Gallery of Famous Names
• Support the donation project and receive a postcard, magazine, or access to the virtual gallery
• Join as a volunteer, participant, or partner
• Participate in #GiveImage and #FamousNamesPC and become part of the community and the Gallery of Famous Names
Media, such as short video:
More details in the guides in the category guides
- classical
- performance
- documentary (as fiction)/staged
- AR/VR installation
- graffiti with video
- photography
- portrait in classical technique
More details in the guides in the category guides
In Russian (or English for international universities and participants). English or native language descriptions can be added to the appendices.
The competition application is reviewed by a board of curators. If selected, the participant receives access to the Welcome Pack, an interview, participation in the exhibition, and publications.
- Criteria for compliance with the Year's Theme "City of Personalities...":
- technical mastery,
- conceptuality,
- artistic depth,
- visual expressiveness,
- linguistic accessibility, clarity of presentation,
- cultural coherence,
- ability to integrate into the platform.
In our channels: TG/ Instagram/ Fb: @parallelcanvases
In our Magazines: Medium/ Facebook
Subscribe, follow the links – get closer!
Read and see yourself in a community of like-minded people from different countries.
In our Magazines: Medium/ Facebook
Subscribe, follow the links – get closer!
Read and see yourself in a community of like-minded people from different countries.
- Mini-residencies in St. Petersburg or participating countries
- Publication
- Interview
- Participation in the *Parallel Canvases* exhibition (online/offline)
And, of course, a Diploma!
Join and win!
- Publication
- Interview
- Participation in the *Parallel Canvases* exhibition (online/offline)
And, of course, a Diploma!
Join and win!
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Studies of Light and Form
Our Lab of Ideas: Where Discoveries Becomes Philosophy
Go to Blog
AR VR reality Parallel Canvases
The AR VR EXPO will be held in Seoul from June 17 to 19 at the COEX Exhibition Center.
READ
Francesco Braschi
His fascinating research work at numerous universities in Russia and around the world inspired him to be invited to join the jury of the Parallel Canvases competition.
READ
A musical project in colors
Exploring how the principle of "color follows sound" shapes a contemporary approach to visual design in music. As mono gives birth to poly, so....
READ
AR/ VR RUSSIA
AR VR reality Parallel Canvases. Competition projects by Russian media technology students are eagerly awaited worldwide.
The AR VR EXPO will be held in Seoul from June 17 to 19 at the COEX Exhibition Center.
Competition projects by Russian media technology students are eagerly awaited worldwide.
Developers, investors, game creators, and designers will meet there.
We'll be sharing the latest advances in the IT market, education, and other fields at the Parallel Conference. The competition will be the first to learn which technologies and professions will rapidly develop this year. And we'll share them with you.
See you on February 9th!
Registration is open.
Repost and enrich your reality!
Competition projects by Russian media technology students are eagerly awaited worldwide.
Developers, investors, game creators, and designers will meet there.
We'll be sharing the latest advances in the IT market, education, and other fields at the Parallel Conference. The competition will be the first to learn which technologies and professions will rapidly develop this year. And we'll share them with you.
See you on February 9th!
Registration is open.
Repost and enrich your reality!
CONTEST JURY
Introducing Francesco Braschi, whose compelling research work at numerous universities in Russia and around the world inspired him to be invited to join the Parallel Canvases competition jury.
At a lecture by Monsignor Francesco Braschi, a member of the jury for the Parallel Canvases competition, as part of the 5th International Cultural and Educational Festival "The Age in Miniature," there were many collectible maps, or rather, the stories behind their relationship with the main subject of his research on the Mediterranean area—a rare portolan chart from the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries.
"...The unique features of the portolan chart, housed in the Milan Library, created by Jacopo Visconte Maggiolo and dating from 1602, represent an immense treasure. Beyond their functional purpose, they carry profound symbolic significance and reflect a unique vision of reality: on the one hand, they are intended to "crystallize" in their depiction what was known and established at the time of their creation; on the other, they must describe situations that can undergo sudden and unexpected changes."
"Epoch in Miniature" is an international festival organized by our partner, St. Tikhon's Orthodox University of the Humanities, in collaboration with the Ambrosian Library in Milan, under the patronage of Francesco Braschi.
"...The unique features of the portolan chart, housed in the Milan Library, created by Jacopo Visconte Maggiolo and dating from 1602, represent an immense treasure. Beyond their functional purpose, they carry profound symbolic significance and reflect a unique vision of reality: on the one hand, they are intended to "crystallize" in their depiction what was known and established at the time of their creation; on the other, they must describe situations that can undergo sudden and unexpected changes."
"Epoch in Miniature" is an international festival organized by our partner, St. Tikhon's Orthodox University of the Humanities, in collaboration with the Ambrosian Library in Milan, under the patronage of Francesco Braschi.
Classical music in color embodyment
Exploring how the principle of "color follows sound" shapes a contemporary approach to visual design in music. As mono gives birth to poly, so...
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