Regulations

Kalmar International 13th Sand Sculpture Festival takes place on July 6–10, 2026. This year's theme is Natural Happiness.

The International Sand Sculpture Festival in Kalmar has gained recognition and good reviews among international artists and visitors since it took place the first time in 2013. Our aim is to bring together some of the world’s best renowned professional sculptors and artists.

This year's theme: Natural happiness

Humankind has, since time immemorial, searched for happiness, and even today every new generation strives to create its own form of happiness. With new technology and AI, endless ways to achieve happiness are promised. Through this year's theme, we wish to encourage everyone to reconnect their lives with nature and the diversity that still exists, so that we may find a happy existence in harmony with the world around us.

I. General Information

1. The Sand Sculpture Festival has two stages:

a) Sand sculpture design (sketch) selection to get the right to participate. All teams (each consisting of two artists) will be approved to participate in the International Sand Sculpture Festival. In 2026, the theme is “Natural happiness”.

b) Sand sculpture construction on sight.

2. The competition is announced and organized by Destination Kalmar AB.

3. Submitted sand sculpture designs are evaluated by a Jury, which is approved by Destination Kalmar AB.

4. The complete application, including the information listed in item 10, must be submitted via the form on this website before April 26, 2026. The decision of the Jury will be announced on May 4.

5. The artistic project leader is Edwin Böck. Management from Destination Kalmar will be assisting regarding promotional activities whereas local partners as well as the City of Kalmar will provide necessary facilities. For all questions, contact Edwin Böck: edwinboeck@gmail.com

6. The sculpting will take place at Kalmarsundsbadet – a public beach located nearby the city center and Kalmar Castle.

7. Photos of all sculptures will be posted on Facebook. The sculpture that gets most “likes” wins the peoples’ choice award.

8. Participation is open to any person who has reached the age of 18.

9. The regulations and application form together with public information are published on the official website kalmar.com/en/sandsculpturefestival

II. Content of application

10. The artist shall submit a completed application form together with the information below, by e-mail before the given date in section 4.

Participants have to submit the following information:

• Completed application form,
• CV (short creative biography),
• Photo of artist (color, JPG format, which will be used for promotion material and ID cards),
• Sketch of the sculpture (JPG, from both sides, specifying the parameters of the sculpture, title and author),
• Required forms submitted to the technical installation plan.

III. Sand and technical support to each team provided by the organizer

11. The organizers shall provide each participant with:

• Sand,
• Wooden forms (according to the technical installation plan),
• 1 blade,
• 1 bucket,
• 1 sprayer for glue and glue solution.

IV. Financial compensation provided by the organizer

12. The payment of the compensation will be sent after receiving a bill to a bank account of the artist. The compensation for non-European teams is 22,000 SEK. For European teams the compensation is 16,000 SEK, and for Swedish teams it is 12,000 SEK. All amounts include travel expences.

13. There will be no financial compensation to the winning team.

V. Working conditions, accommodation, security

14. All teams will be accommodated in a hotel (double room) nearby the site from July 5 to July 11. Breakfast will be served at the hotel, lunch on site and an evening buffet at different restaurants. The organizer covers the costs for accommodation and meals.

15. Working hours are not defined, but all works must be completed by 10 July at 1 PM. The technical personnel and equipment will be available each day only from 8 AM to 4 PM. Depending on the weather conditions, the organizers in consultation with the participants of the festival reserve the right to change the agenda.

16. Artists have to bring their own tools (in addition to 10.)

17. A briefing for participants will be held, and signing of safety will take place. All participants shall have the health insurance policy. Each participant is responsible for his/her own safety, as well as the safety of his sculptures and other users. There will be fences around the site from July 7. The area will be under surveillance nighttime during the working period.

18. If for any reason, such as unsuitable weather conditions, the artist wishes to withdraw from the design sent, or change the visual appearance of the sculptures, he/she shall agree on it with the organizers by receiving approval of the change.

VI. Copyright

19. All sculptures remain property of organizers. Organizers reserves non-exclusive rights for exhibition of sculptures.

VII. Schedule

• Sunday July 5: Arrivals, hotel check-in, dinner and acquaintance.
• Monday July 6: Technical briefing. Preparing the forms.
• Tuesday July 7: Work on sculpture.
• Wednesday July 8: Work on sculpture.
• Thursday July 9: Work on sculpture.
• Friday July 10: Finish at 1 PM. Award ceremony. Farewell party
• Saturday July 11: Breakfast, hotel. Check-out and departure.