Bicknell Theme Award

Honoring the spirit of the Bicknell family, this award recognizes works that exemplify the fusion of nature and art. It is open to entries across all categories.

• 1st Prize — 1 recipient — $2,000 USD

• 2nd Prize — 2 recipients — $800 USD each

• 3rd Prize — 3 recipients — $500 USD each

Bicknell Art Education Award

To encourage the active participation of university students, this edition introduces the Bicknell Art Education Award. The jury will select 6 outstanding young artists (aged 18–25) from among all shortlisted entrants who are currently enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate programs and have not received any other award. Recipients will be supported through cash prizes or other educational resources. Applicants in this category must provide proof of current enrollment (such as a student ID or equivalent documentation).

• 1st Prize — 1 recipient — $800 USD

• 2nd Prize — 2 recipients — Online Masterclass in Watercolor Art (10 sessions), valued at $500 USD each

• 3rd Prize — 3 recipients — A dedicated one-on-one online mentoring session with an international master artist, including personalized artwork critique and guidance (conducted via Zoom, video conference, or email), in support of each recipient's artistic development and international perspective

Category Awards

Category awards are established for each artistic discipline. No cash prize is attached; recipients will receive an official certificate issued by the Venice International Watercolor Festival and a specially crafted commemorative medal honoring the Bicknell family legacy.

• Figures & Portraits: 1st Prize ×1, 2nd Prize ×2, 3rd Prize ×3, Merit Award ×10

• Landscapes: 1st Prize ×1, 2nd Prize ×2, 3rd Prize ×3, Merit Award ×10

• Still Life: 1st Prize ×1, 2nd Prize ×2, 3rd Prize ×3, Merit Award ×10

• Florals: 1st Prize ×1, 2nd Prize ×2, 3rd Prize ×3, Merit Award ×10

• Exploratory & Experimental (Abstract): 1st Prize ×1, 2nd Prize ×2, 3rd Prize ×3, Merit Award ×10

• Other (including Animals and Miscellaneous): 1st Prize ×1, 2nd Prize ×2, 3rd Prize ×3, Merit Award ×10

Special Nomination Awards

Selected in addition to the main jury process, these awards are nominated by the festival's partner institutions from works across all categories (multiple awards may be granted to the same work). They reflect the aesthetic standards and values of internationally recognized art organizations, providing a further layer of diverse and authoritative evaluation. Certificates are jointly issued and signed by the nominating institution and the festival.

• Titian Foundation Nomination Award — 10 recipients (Italy)

• Almenara Competition Nomination Award — 10 recipients (Spain)

• Shanghai Association for International Cultural and Artistic Exchange Nomination Award — 10 recipients (China)

Special Sponsorship Awards (Art Materials & Prizes)

Generously sponsored by leading domestic and international art material brands — including the Maimeri Award, the Tintoretto Award, Rubens, Marie's, and the Titian Foundation — these awards recognize works of exceptional technical mastery and creative innovation under the theme of "Heritage and Expedition" (multiple awards may be granted). Recipients will receive premium art materials, brushes, and other artistic supplies, continuing the Bicknell family's tradition of supporting artistic creation and empowering watercolor artists to carry tradition forward while venturing boldly into the future.