WorldFestivalAssociation

"Winter Inspiration" - "Zimowa Inspiracja"

International Competition and Festival of Folklore, Dance and Music in Zakopane

January 12, 2026 - January 14, 2026 / COMPETITION DAY January 13, 2026

The International Festival and Competition "Winter Inspiration" will take place at Kino Sokół in Zakopane (stage 13x7) - in the center of the Zakopane resort, close to the main street Krupówki.

"Winter Inspiration" offers the best sound, lighting, numerous awards and gifts, and an international jury.

International festivals and competitions "Art Inspirations Festival" have been held in Poland since 2018. The main goal is to support, promote, and build an international platform for cultural exchange for amateur and professional teams and participants.

The main message is to discover new talents, stars among children and youth ensembles and soloists, establish international friendly and creative contacts, enrich the multinational culture based on mutual respect for cultures and traditions, promote children's and youth creativity, exchange experiences and creative achievements of participants from different countries, and enhance the professional skills and qualifications of educators and leaders.

Participants:

• Dance teams
• Theatrical groups
• Folklore ensembles
• Fashion theaters
• Vocal, choral groups
• Instrumental ensembles and soloists in these genres

Genres:

• Choreography: folk or stylized dance, classical, contemporary/modern, jazz, artistic, street dance, ballroom dance, performance dance, children's dance, show-bellydance, and other dance directions according to the applications submitted
• Vocal, instrumental, vocal-instrumental, and choral groups
• Folklore ensembles, ritual theaters, folk art groups
• Theatrical art groups, acting skills
• Fashion theaters / fashion shows
• Other genres, according to accepted applications

* The festival is competitive in nature.

Technical requirements:

The competition program is limited by time (1-2 performances):

• Soloists, duets, trios - 4 minutes
• Small groups (4-10 participants) - 6 minutes
• Ensembles and groups (11 or more participants) - 9 minutes

* Participants have the right to participate in several genre categories with separate applications and separate fees for each application.

Age groups:

• Mini kids: 4-6 years old
• Kids: 7-9 years old
• Children: 10-13 years old
• Junior: 14-17 years old
• Adults: 18 years old and above
• Senior: 50 years old and above
• Mixed groups

To participate in the festival, it is necessary to submit an application along with a HIGH-QUALITY musical accompaniment.

If the performance exceeds the reserved time in the application, the Organizer reserves the right to stop the performance.

Awards:

• Winner of the Grand Prix - Diamond Champion receives a large Grand Prix cup, festival medals, and a Grand Prix Diploma.
• Winner of the Small Grand Prix receives a cup, festival medals, and a Diploma.
• Laureates of I, II, III, IV prize - receive individual diplomas, festival medals, and a cup for the group.
• "Participant" diploma for groups/soloists who receive a score below 4th place.
• "Debut" diploma for participants in the MINI KIDS category, aged 4-6 years.
• Letters of thanks to teachers and leaders for preparation and participation.
• Upon recommendation of the Jury - Certificates for FREE participation

All participants receive festival memorabilia from the organizers (participant badges/magnets/notebooks), individual diplomas, and festival medals. The set of symbols may change.

Jury:

The jury is formed by the Organizers and consists of representatives from the fields of culture, art, social organizations, media, and other significant personalities from participating countries.

The permanent jury consists of 4-5 members.

The evaluation is based on a 10-point scale.

The jury has the right to:

• Provide recommendations to the competition participants.
• Highlight individual performers and award them special prizes.
• In agreement with the organizing committee, make decisions regarding changes in the festival regulations or the non-awarding of prizes to participants in specific categories.
• The jury has the right to withhold the awarding of the Grand Prix in case of an insufficient number of points. The jury's decision is final and not subject to revision.

Evaluation criteria:

The evaluation conditions for the competition of vocalists, instrumentalists, dance groups, and soloists are conducted separately in each genre, age category, and group format (soloists, small forms, groups), ensuring fairness and accuracy in assessing participants' skills:

Vocalists:

1. Vocal technique: correctness of intonation, articulation, diction.
2. Interpretation of the work: expressiveness, emotionality, conveyance of the work's character.
3. Selection of repertoire: compliance with the age and capabilities of the vocalist.
4. Overall artistic impression: stage presentation, audience interaction, originality.

Instrumentalists:

1. Playing technique: correctness of performance, precision, instrumental technique.
2. Interpretation of the work: expressiveness, emotionality, understanding of the work.
3. Selection of repertoire: compliance with the age and capabilities of the instrumentalist..
4. Overall artistic impression: stage presentation, audience interaction, originality.

Dance groups:

1. Dance technique: precision of movements, synchronization, execution technique.
2. Choreography: originality, complexity, coherence with the music.
3. Interpretation of the work: expressiveness, emotionality, conveyance of the work's character.
4. Overall artistic impression: costumes, props, stage presentation.

Dance soloists:

1. Dance technique: precision of movements, execution technique.
2. Interpretation of the work: expressiveness, emotionality, conveyance of the work's character.
3. Choreography: originality, complexity, coherence with the music.
4. Overall artistic impression: costume, props, stage presentation.

Festival fees:

• Groups (11 or more participants) - €15 per participant per application
• Groups (4-10 participants) - €18 per participant per application
• Duets and trios - €25 per participant per application
• Soloists - €30 per participant per application

For participation in additional categories:

• Groups (11 or more participants): additional fee of €5 per participant for each additional application
• Groups (4-10 participants): additional fee of €10 per participant for each additional application
• Soloists, duets, and trios: additional fee of €15 per participant for each additional application

Information:

Groups interested in participating must submit an application along with the musical accompaniment. The organizing committee provides accommodation and a cultural program (excursions) in agreement with the participants. The delegation of the group may include artists and their accompanying group. There is no limit to the number of artists and accompanying members.
During the festival, the organizers may invite participating groups to take part in joint events, such as the opening ceremony, closing ceremony, parade, accompanying concerts, cocktails, workshops, and others.

The presence of invited groups at various events is mandatory.
Applications must be submitted by November 30, 2025.

The fee must be paid after confirmation of participation, but no later than November 30, 2024.

Organizers' bank details for payment will be provided upon request by the team leader AFTER receiving the participation application.

Program:

January 12, 2026
Arrival at hotels in Zakopane. City tour with a guide through characteristic places and the main street of the city, where Zakopane's wooden-clad restaurants, cafes, art galleries, and souvenir shops enchant with their atmosphere and warmth, and the panorama of the Tatra Mountains inspires new discoveries and unforgettable experiences. Dinner.

January 13, 2026 - COMPETITION DAY
Breakfast. Festival day - stage rehearsals, sound checks.
Opening ceremony. Competitive performance reviews. Evening - Formal Closing Ceremony, Awarding of participants.
Return to the hotel. Dinner.

January 14, 2026
Breakfast. Check-out according to the hotel/hostel rules.
Free day for relaxation and excursions.

Optionally:

• Ascent to Kasprowy Wierch or Gubałówka, to enjoy the incredible panoramas of the Carpathians and take captivating photos.
• Visiting the Aquapark or Thermal Pools in or near Zakopane, where you can relax and rejuvenate.
• Excursion to Morskie Oko, one of the largest and deepest high-mountain lakes in Poland, surrounded by picturesque mountain landscapes.

Participation fee:

3 days / 2 nights accommodation with half-board, 20+1 free

• 3-4 person rooms - 150 Euro per person

For leaders, 2-3 person accommodation.
Accommodation arrangements are made with leaders before participants' arrival.

Participation fee includes:

• Accommodation in the hotel 3-4 person rooms for 3 days/ 2 nights.
• Meals: breakfast and dinner, starting with dinner on the day of arrival and ending with breakfast on the day of departure.
• Special offer for groups of 20 people: 20 participants + 1 leader free.
• Tour of Zakopane

Participation fee does not include:

• Festival participation fee
• Optional excursions, museum tickets
• Personal expenses, local transportation

On request, additional paid services related to transportation from the airport to the hotel, from the hotel to the concert hall, airport welcome by festival staff, and upgrading the proposed hotel to a higher class can be organized. For information regarding additional services, please contact and send an official request to the Organizing Committee.

Our festivals are not just competitions; they are international events where you can make new friends from different countries and immerse yourself in a creative and fun atmosphere!
You’ll enjoy excursions to new cities, exciting meetings, parties, and discos, where you can connect with participants from all over the world. Take part in thrilling activities and compete for the festival's top prize - the Diamond Champion!
Together, we will create unforgettable memories and have an amazing time!

Any group willing to participate must submit an Application form.

Approved groups pay in advance 10% guarantee fee, which is to be deducted at the final payment.