For the symposium 2026 in Ringkoebing we can invite about 10-12 sculptors.
The invitations will be put out on the facebooksite and world-wide by email.
The Soul of Wood – Your Artistic Expression
The Wood symposium is about the dialogue between the artist and the material. It is a place and a workshop where ideas are exchanged, techniques and handicraft are shared, and relationships are growing between sculptors from around the world.
You will have opportunity to explore the tactile connection between craftsmanship and wood, the creative process from idea to finished work and the vibrant sense of community, where artists work side by side under the open sky.
With a focus on sustainability, this year’s symposium works with surplus wood from the renovation of Ringkøbing Harbour, inviting you to transform it into a unique sculpture and give the material a new purpose.
You will have the opportunity to be working with the beautiful Green Heart Wood – a hardwood from South America. We envision to create works where the natural warmth and tactile qualities of the wood remain central
Each artist will be assigned to two pieces of wood, with the following dimensions:
- Diameter approx. 30-40 cm
- Length; 2.5-3.5 meters.
Other materials such as steel, bronze or stone can be used, but wood must remain the heart of the sculpture.
We are pleased to share with you the following detailed information about travel support, accomondation and provided material. Feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.
Provided material:
- Green Heart Wood logs
- Electric saws and selected chainsaws
- Angle grinders and grinding discs
- Power supply (220 V / 50 Hz)
- Finishing materials such as oil
You are welcome to bring your own specialized tools.
Travel, Accommodation and Community:
The symposium provides for:
- Reimbursement of travel expenses of up to maximum EUR 700 for each artist from EU and EUR 1000 from countries out of Europe. The travelling must be organized by the artists and the most cost-effective travel option must be booked after final agreement with the Symposium organization.
- Accommodation, meals, and social events. You can look forward to getting to know the beautiful area during organised events in your free time.
- Transportation to and from Billund Airport
Every accompanying person must pay the full price of EUR 600 per person for accommodation and participation. Travel expenses for accompanying person will not be covered by the symposium.
Working schedule & honorarium:
Working on the sculpture is possible between Monday to Friday at 08:00 and 17:00 as well as Saturday, 1 August, from 08:00 to 12:00. The sculptures must be completed by Saturday at 12:00 at latest.
Each artist will receive an honorarium of EUR 300 upon completion of the sculpture — in recognition of your contribution to the symposium’s artistic and craft-based quality.
The sculptures will be bought from or sponsored to local firms, private persons, or organizations. The money from the sale of the sculptures goes towards holding next year’s symposium.
If our symposium appeals to you and you would like to be part of it, we look forward to receiving your application. The application must be submitted in English and sent to ottopil@gmail.com.
The submission deadline is Friday 31, March, 2026 – Selection will be medio April
Please make sure that your application includes all following information in English:
- Registration form with contact details – max. 1 A4 page
- Images of previous works demonstrating your style and working method – max. 10 images
- 1–2 sketches/models of the work you wish to create during the symposium (min. 150 dpi, max. A4 size, maximum height approx. 2 metres)
- Short CV – max. 1 A4 page
We are looking forward to welcoming you to Ringkøbing — a place where the soul of wood takes shape, workshops hum with activity, and new artistic relationships begin to grow
With artistic regards,
International Wood Sculpture Symposium in Ringkøbing – 2026
Otto Pilgaard
Email: ottopil@gmail.com
Download Application
Download Terms & Rules
Best regards
Otto Pilgaard,
e-mail: ottopil@gmail.com
Phone +45 30132935.
