Nordic Painting Competition 2026

We are both proud and honored to serve as hosts of the Nordic Painting Championships this year. Welcoming participants, industry colleagues, and visitors from across the Nordic region is a tremendous privilege.

The competition will take place at the Royal Institute of Art in Stockholm from August 31 - September 3.

The Nordic Painting Competition will highlight the skill of the competitors and over 3 days they will compete for the title and at the same time unite in Nordic friendship and craftmanship. Announcement of the winner will take place during the dinner on the evening of Thursday, September 3.

Competition schedule

31 August:

Arrival of competitors and coaches.
From 15:00, Check in at Hotel Skeppsholmen
16:00 Visit to the venue, examination of competition booths, inventory of materials and safety briefing.
18:00 Dinner at the hotel

1 September:

Breakfast at the hotel
08:00 – 12:00 Competition (including a 15-minute break)
12:00 – 13:00 Lunch
13:00 – 17:00 Competition (including a 15-minute break)
18:30 – 20:30 Social Activity and dinner

2 September:

Breakfast at the hotel
08:00 – 12:00 Competition (including a 15-minute break)
12:00 – 13:00 Lunch
13:00 – 17:00 Competition (including a 15-minute break)
18:30 – 21:00 Social activity and dinner

3 September:

Breakfast at the hotel
08:00 – 12:00 Competition (including a 15-minute break)
12:00 – 12:45 Lunch
12:45 – 14:00 Competition
16:00 Guided boat trip
19:00 Pre-dinner drink at Café Opera
19:30 Dinner and prize ceremony

4 September:

Breakfast and check out from Hotel Skeppsholmen

Introduction to the assignment

Stockholm is a city shaped by water, history, and timeless architecture. Built across fourteen islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea, the city is defined by its sparkling waterways and scenic shorelines. At its heart lies the old town, Gamla Stan, one of Europe’s best preserved medieval quarters, with winding cobblestone streets, historic squares, and centuries old buildings that reflect Stockholm’s rich past. Across the city, elegant architecture - from royal palaces and historic churches to modern design landmarks - tells the story of a place where heritage and innovation live side by side.

Together, these elements create a vibrant and atmospheric capital with a uniquely Nordic character which contribute to an inspiring atmosphere for the NMO meeting and the competition. Some of these signature ele- ments have inspired the image transfer part of the assignment and wallpaper choices offered in the competition.

The assignment consists of painting a door, painting of woodwork, wallpaper hanging, decoration, stenciling/image transfer and free painting technique. The competitors will have the opportunity to put their own stamp on their respective competition booth using different techniques, color schemes and a choice of wallpaper. Combined with their decorative painting, all pieces will contribute to an overall harmony which the judges will weigh into the final score.

Each competitor will be provided with a competition booth. Each booth has three walls with surfaces made of drywall which will be filled, precoated and ready for competition. Contestants will have the opportunity to examine all surfaces prior to competition start.

Competition Guidelines and assignment for the Nordic Painting Competition 2026

Here you’ll find all the information you need as a competitor or coach ahead of the competition.

Registration form for competitors and coaches

Before the competition, all competitors and coaches are required to register via our form. This allows us to confirm your participation and collect necessary information to ensure the best possible event.

Fill in the form here.