WELDED METAL SCULPTURE STUDENT COMPETITION 2026

2nd Gedik Education Foundation Welded Metal Sculpture Competition 2026

“Express unity through metal, shape your art with welding!”

Click here for the application and detailed information.

The Gedik Education Foundation is organizing the Welded Metal Sculpture Competition for the second time this year to encourage young people’s creative production and bring welding technology together with art. The competition is held nationwide for students enrolled in associate, undergraduate, and graduate programs at universities across Türkiye.

Through this competition, the aim is to bring together the aesthetic and technical potential of metal with young artists, encouraging the creation of original artworks produced using welding technologies. At the same time, the competition seeks to preserve and further develop Türkiye’s heritage in the fields of welding and art.

Competition Theme: BALANCE

Balance is not merely the equalization of opposing forces; it is a continuous relationship that enables different elements to coexist. In nature, in human beings, and throughout life, balance represents the delicate harmony established between movement and stillness, weight and lightness, tension and harmony.

Materials and Technique

The design, development, and production process of submitted works must be based on the participant’s own original creative work. Designs or visuals created using artificial intelligence (AI) tools will not be accepted. Applications containing works found to have been generated or assisted by AI will be disqualified regardless of the stage of the competition.

  • Material: Metal
  • Technique: Welding (mandatory)
  • The sculpture’s longest dimension must not exceed 100 cm.
  • Works must be suitable for indoor display, portable, durable, and ready for exhibition.

Awards

A total of 8 awards will be presented. Winners will receive both cash prizes and in-kind awards (professional welding machines).

Who Can Apply?

All students currently enrolled in associate, undergraduate, or graduate programs at universities in Türkiye may apply. Each participant may submit only one artwork.

Competition Schedule

  • Application Period: August 10 – September 10, 2026
  • Preliminary Selection and Jury Evaluation: September 14, 2026
  • Announcement of Finalists and Selected Works: September 16, 2026
  • Artwork Production Period: September 16 – November 16, 2026
  • Submission of Completed Artworks: November 16 – November 30, 2026
  • Final Jury Evaluation: December 14, 2026
  • Exhibition Opening and Award Ceremony: December 18, 2026

Jury

The jury consists of distinguished academics and artists:

  • Sculptor Ömer Emre Yavuz
  • Sculptor Ercan Yılmaz
  • Sculptor Sanem Tufan
  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seda Yavuz
  • Prof. Dr. Ahmet Karaaslan (Istanbul Gedik University)
  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zerrin Funda Ürük (Istanbul Gedik University)
  • Hande Demirel (Gedik Education Foundation)

How to Apply?

Applications must be submitted via the online application form. Required documents:

  • Signed competition regulations
  • Official student certificate (approved by the faculty)
  • Copy of national ID/passport
  • Sketch or drawing of the proposed sculpture
  • Images of two previously completed sculptures/designs

Application Form and Competition Regulations:

Exhibition and Catalogue

Award-winning works and artworks selected for exhibition:

  • Will be displayed in physical and/or digital exhibitions.
  • May be featured in promotional materials, catalogues, and social media platforms.

Intellectual Property Rights

All intellectual and industrial property rights of the award-winning works will be transferred to the Gedik Education Foundation. By participating, applicants are deemed to have accepted these terms.

Contact

For questions and further information, please contact us at: [email protected]