RULES AND REGISTRATION FORM
Theme
Artists are invited to share their personal vision of Amsterdam through light, atmosphere, architecture, urban life, canals, streets, cafés, parks, and everyday moments.
Both plein air and studio works are welcome.
The exhibition theme is specifically focused on Amsterdam during the summer season. Works clearly depicting winter, autumn, or spring conditions are not eligible for submission.
Accepted Media
Only original hand-made artworks created in the following media are eligible:
• Watercolour
• Ink
• Watercolour combined with ink
Not Accepted Media
The following media are not eligible for submission:
• Gouache
• Acrylic
• Oil
• Pastel
• Alcohol markers
• Coloured pencils
• Watercolour pencils
• Digital artwork
• AI-generated images
• Prints, reproductions, and giclée prints
• Mixed media works that do not primarily consist of watercolour and/or ink
Accepted Formats
• A4 (210 × 297 mm)
• A3 (297 × 420 mm)
Works must be submitted unframed.
Submission Fee
• €30 for one artwork
• €50 for two artworks
Artists may submit up to two artworks.
A maximum of one artwork per artist may be selected for the exhibition.
Submission fees are non-refundable and cover the application and jury selection process, regardless of the jury’s decision.
Important Dates
5 June 2026
Submissions Open
15 August 2026
Submission Deadline
15–25 August 2026
Jury Selection
25 August 2026
Selected Artists Announced
25 August – 15 September 2026
Shipping Period
10 October 2026
Exhibition Opening and Awards Ceremony
Exhibition
Selected artworks will be exhibited at NEST Aquarel Atelier Amsterdam, a contemporary watercolour atelier located in the historic centre of Amsterdam.
The exhibition will run for approximately 2–3 weeks.
Originality and Authorship
Only original artworks created by the submitting artist are eligible.
Copies, reproductions, AI-generated images, and works based on copyrighted photographs without permission are not accepted.
By submitting an artwork, the artist confirms that:
• they are the sole author of the work;
• the work does not infringe upon the rights of any third party;
• they hold all rights necessary for exhibition, publication, and promotion of the artwork.
Catalogue and Publication Rights
Selected artworks will be published in the official Amsterdam in Summer Light catalogue.
The catalogue is intended as a long-term publication celebrating Amsterdam through contemporary watercolour and sketch art.
The catalogue may be distributed and sold during and after the exhibition through the organisers, online platforms, art supply stores, bookshops, galleries, cultural venues, and other selected partners.
Copies of the catalogue will be available for purchase during the exhibition opening, throughout the exhibition period, and by mail order after the exhibition.
By submitting an artwork, the artist grants the organisers a non-exclusive, royalty-free right to reproduce images of the submitted artwork in:
• the exhibition catalogue;
• future editions of the catalogue;
• promotional materials related to the exhibition;
• the exhibition website;
• social media;
• press releases;
• printed and digital publications connected with the project.
This includes the right to print, publish, distribute, market, and sell the catalogue in physical and digital formats.
Copyright and ownership of the original artwork remain with the artist at all times.
The artist will always be credited whenever the artwork is reproduced or published.
Shipping
All shipping costs are the responsibility of the artist.
Artists are responsible for shipping selected artworks to Amsterdam and for covering all return shipping costs after the exhibition.
Detailed shipping instructions will be provided to selected artists after the jury selection process.
Image Requirements
To apply, participants must upload one or two JPEG images of their artwork.
• JPEG (.jpg) format only
• Minimum 2500 pixels on the longest side
• Maximum file size 10 MB per image
• Photographed in good, even lighting
• No frames, borders, watermarks, or digital signatures
• Colours should accurately represent the original artwork