Директор: Victoria Mikhailova International Competition and Festival of Folklore, Dance and Music "Winter Inspiration" December 10/11-13, 2026 Accommodation in Zakopane Competition performances at the Puppet Theater "Rabcio", Rabka-Zdrój COMPETITION DAY - December 12, 2026 The International Festival and Competition "Winter Inspiration" will take place on the stage of the Puppet Theater "Rabcio" in Rabka-Zdrój. A true winter fairytale awaits you in the heart of the Polish Tatra Mountains - Zakopane. The cosy atmosphere of this mountain resort, beautifully decorated streets, a stroll along the famous Krupówki promenade, exciting excursions, snow-covered landscapes and unforgettable moments shared with fellow artists will make this journey truly special. The competition programme will take place on the stage of the Rabcio Puppet Theatre in the spa town of Rabka-Zdrój. Zimowa Inspiracja offers a modern stage with professional sound and lighting, valuable awards and gifts, a warm festival atmosphere, and an experienced international jury, ensuring a high artistic standard and a fair evaluation of all performances. "Winter Inspiration" is a special part of the international cycle "Art Inspirations Festival", which since 2018 has brought together ensembles and participants from many countries. The festival guarantees the best sounds, lights, numerous awards and gifts, as well as a professional international jury. The international festivals and competitions of the "Art Inspirations Festival" series have been held in Poland, Italy, and Greece since 2018. Their main goal is to support, promote, and build a platform for cultural exchange for amateur and professional ensembles, as well as for soloists. The mission of the festivals is to discover new talents and rising stars among children’s and youth ensembles and soloists, to establish international friendships and creative contacts, to enrich multinational culture in the spirit of mutual respect for cultures and traditions, to promote children’s and youth creativity, to encourage the exchange of experiences and artistic achievements of participants from different countries, and to raise the professional skills and qualifications of teachers and artistic directors. 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. Festival fees: Groups (10 or more participants) - €18 per participant Groups (5–9 participants) - €22 per participant Quartets - €25 per participant Duets and trios - €30 per participant Soloists - €35 per participant For each additional performance (in a different genre category or as a second performance in the same category): Groups (10 or more participants) - additional €10 per participant for each additional entry Groups (5-9 participants) - additional €13 per participant for each additional entry Duets, trios and quartets - additional €18 per participant for each additional entry Soloists - additional €20 per participant for each additional entry 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 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. 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. 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. The fee must be paid after confirmation of participation, but no later than November 01, 2026. Organizers' bank details for payment will be provided upon request by the team leader AFTER receiving the participation application. Program: December 10/11, 2026 - Accommodation at Willa Kurant Hotel - 4 days / 3 nights or 3 days / 2 nights Arrival at the cosy Willa Kurant Hotel in Zakopane – one of the most beautiful places in the Polish Tatra Mountains. Participants will be accommodated in comfortable triple and quadruple rooms with private bathrooms and will enjoy two meals per day (breakfast and dinner). Twin rooms are also available for group leaders, coach drivers, and upon request for groups. The hotel is located in a peaceful part of Zakopane, just 300 metres from Mount Nosal and only a few minutes' walk from the Koziniec ski lift. It is the perfect place to experience the unique atmosphere of the winter Tatras, relax surrounded by mountain nature and snow-covered landscapes, while remaining within easy reach of the town centre, Christmas markets, thermal resorts and the most beautiful Tatra hiking routes. After check-in, we invite you for an evening walk through the festively illuminated streets of Zakopane, which at this time of year delights visitors with its winter atmosphere, charming decorations and traditional Highland character. Dinner. December 12, 2026 - COMPETITION DAY Breakfast. Festival day. Transfer by coach to the Rabcio Puppet Theatre in Rabka-Zdrój. Stage rehearsals, sound check and preparations for the performances. Official Opening Ceremony. Competition performances. In the evening - Official Festival Closing Ceremony and Awards Gala. Return to Zakopane. Dinner. If transportation is provided by the Organiser, transfers to and from the venue are included in the package price. Otherwise, participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation. December 13, 2026 Breakfast. Check-out in accordance with the hotel regulations. Free time. Departure of participants and return home. Participation fee: 3 days / 2 nights - 140 Euro per person 4 days / 3 nights - 190 Euro per person Accommodation for group leaders and coach drivers in twin rooms. 1 free group leader for every 15 paying participants (15+1 free). Twin rooms available upon request. Extra charge for an additional night 45 Euro per person. Participation fee includes: Accommodation at Willa Kurant Hotel - 4 days / 3 nights or 3 days / 2 nights (triple and quadruple rooms, twin rooms for group leaders). Breakfasts and dinners - from dinner on the arrival day until breakfast on the departure day. Tasty home-style meals with generous portions. Official invitations and documents confirming participation in the festival. Accommodation in twin rooms for group leaders and coach drivers. If transportation is provided by the Organiser, transfers to and from the venue are included in the package price. Otherwise, participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation. Participation fee does not include: Festival (registration) fee. Transportation. Optional excursions and entrance tickets to museums and tourist attractions. Personal expenses and public transport. 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.