• The WBF Online Awards will take place from 20th to 22nd November 2026. 
  • 20th November: Category Facepainting
  • 21st November: Category Bodypainting Brush/Sponge
  • 22nd November: Category Bodypainting Open Techniques
• There is no fixed starting time! You start working in YOUR TIME ZONE on a specific day of your category. It is up to you when exactly you start, but you must complete the artwork within the given time.
• The submission of all relevant documents (artist and model agreements, a short description of your work and all photos - see below) is only possible via the WBF upload tool.
• The winners will be announced at the online streaming one week after the Event.
• Please read through the PDF Infosheets with all guidelines and details.

Based on the valuable feedback from many artists in the previous year, we have made several adjustments to the competition.

• The jury will evaluate all artworks anonymously, which has led to changes in the image upload process.
• The judging criteria have been adapted and slightly expanded.
• This year we have the Bodypainting Category “Open Techniques”

Category Facepainting, 20. Nov. 2026

Games People Play

“Games People Play” reveals the many games of life. Inspired by board games, video games, or role-playing, the face becomes a stage for strategy, emotions, and identities. Between fun and seriousness, it shows the roles we play and why. Creativity, symbolism, and expressive storytelling are central to this theme.

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Category Bodypainting Brush/Sponge, 21. Nov. 2026

Illusion of My Life

The body becomes a living illusion reflecting personal experiences, dreams, and inner worlds. Reality and imagination blend on the skin, revealing how perception, emotions, and memories shape one’s life story. What seems real may unfold into symbols and hidden meanings. This theme invites powerful storytelling and emotional expression.

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Category Bodypainting Open Technique, 22. Nov. 2026

Insect World

“Insect World” invites artists to explore the fascinating realm of insects. Patterns, structures, colors, and movements inspire highly detailed body art. The human body becomes a symbol of metamorphosis, adaptation, and diversity — from delicate elegance to primal strength. This theme challenges artists to reinterpret the beauty and significance of the insect world through their own vision.

• Registration is only possible online.
• It is possible to participate in all categories.
• The fee for the online competition is € 35 per category.
• Deadline for registering: November 6th 2026
  ATTENTION: Please do not make any transfers WITHOUT a previous confirmation letter with your artist ID.
• If you decide to cancel your registration, please write us on short notice.

During the WBF Online Awards, artists from all over the world are able to create as at the real comeptition - some working from home, while others prefer to gather in small groups at studios, creative spaces, or even outdoors. These gathering places are known as “WBF Creative Hotspots”, and we love to highlight them during our live broadcast when announcing the results.

Would you like to host a WBF Creative Hotspot in your town or city? It’s a wonderful way to bring artists together for the Online Awards and be part of the global celebration. Send us a request -we’d be happy to include you!

Let’s color the world with the art of bodypainting!