Contest rules 2026
The Bembel competition is a so-called “open” competition with different categories and levels. “Open” means that more than one bronze, silver and gold medal can be awarded in each category (“Technique”, “Expression” & “Gaming”) and in each level (“Standard” & “Master”). The jury evaluates all displays (all entries by a single participant in category) in a category and level and decides which entries meet the requirements for gold, silver and bronze and which may not receive a medal but a special commendation (“highly commended”).
We are firmly convinced that miniature and figure painting is an art form and that the standard of “comparative evaluation” and the awarding of only one first, second and third place each does not do justice to the artistic work of the participants.
Terms and conditions of participation
The rules are currently being overhauled. Please come back later for the updated version.
Registration
Exhibition entries are registered electronically via the cloud software “Emperor” either in the pre-registration, or at the on-site registration during the show. Emperor generates a list of entries and in which category / level they are submitted.
- Each participant must select a level for each category in which they exhibit. It is not possible to exhibit in both levels “Standard” and “Master” in one category.
- Each participant may exhibit any number of entries in all categories.
- All of a participant’s entries within a category add up to one display.
Physical submission of entries into the competition
Entries can then be entered into the competition on Saturday (from 10:00 am until around 01:00 pm). Participants will need a sticker with a unique code for each registered entry, so that the judges can identify the entries later. At the registration desk on Saturday morning, each pre-registered participant will receive an envelope with a list of their registered entries and a sticker for each entry. These must be collected and affixed before putting the exhibit entries into the competition area. If it is not possible to affix the sticker to the entry itself, the sticker can be affixed to a piece of paper provided by the organiser.
The contest area will have signs for each combination of category and level. All entries in a display must be set up together and separated from other displays by dividers (available when picking up the stickers with the registration number). All displays must be set up completely in the marked area belonging to the category and level. Each participant sets up their own entries. Touching or moving other participants’ entries is not permitted. Any violation of this rule will result in immediate exclusion from the competition. Only stewards and orderlies, designated by the organiser, as well as the jury, may touch entries during the exhibition.
Entries are submitted anonymously via the participation stickers, so that the judges do not receive any information about the authors of the works. This guarantees, as far as possible, a fair and unbiased evaluation. All participants are free to sign their works themselves or otherwise make them identifiable.
Entries and displays that exceed a footprint of 25 x 40 cm must be registered separately at contest@bembelminiaturecup.com.
Jury
The group of jurors consists of renowned figure painters with many years of experience who have won prizes for their works in national and international competitions. We aim to maintain a diverse group of judges so that different styles, approaches and perspectives are represented in order to enable a more objective assessment of the works.
The work of the jurors is supported, supervised and guided by a senior head juror.
The evaluation of the jurors is final and cannot be contested.
Awards & special awards
Due to the open medal classification, there can be more than one bronze, silver and gold medal in each category / class.
The jury will select one entry from all gold medal winners of the “Standard” categories for the special “Best of Standard” award. This special prize is awarded in addition to the gold medal.
Should the jury decide that a display is “too good for standard”, the special prize “Out of class” will be awarded. The display is excluded from “Best of Standard” and eligible for “Best of Show“, as it actually belongs in “Masters”.
The jury will select one entry for the special “Best of Show” award from all gold medal winners of the “Masters” categories. This special prize is awarded in addition to the gold medal.
Possible non-cash and sponsor prizes will be raffled off among all participants in the competition.
Associations and clubs with special prizes can inform the organisers of the winners in advance so that additional time can be scheduled for the awards ceremony after the official prize-giving.
The organisers reserve the right to make changes to the rules at any time.