Belgioioso Mini Art Show - Rules
The main goal of Belgioioso Mini Art is to break down the barriers between the different modeling categories, showing that there are no rigid boundaries between the various types of miniature models — only endless possibilities for artistic expression.
We firmly believe that modeling is not just a hobby, but a true art form capable of evoking emotions and conveying meaningful messages.
With these premises, we have designed a unique display contest where participants can showcase all their passions and works together — connecting them, if they wish, with a common theme.
Artists can choose to take part in different contests:
Artists can choose which CONTEST they want to participate in
For BEST ART and OPEN ART
The purpose of this choice is to evaluate the exposition of the models, but also to treat competitors as real artists. The model exhibition will be graded according to:
Display measurements 40x40 cm
While signing up online, make sure to request any additional space if needed. People who sign up the day of the convention will receive a 40x40cm slot unless other space is left.
The contestants will fight to win the Best Of Show - THE CROWN - of the whole event. While judging the displays, the judges will choose a few finalists from which they will declare the Best Of Show artist.
Every finalist will receive a reward and a publication in the art book of the event that is going to be published in the following months. A consistent display with an artistic message will influence the grading.
Finalists will have the opportunity to present their display to the judges.
On Sunday morning contestants will have a maximum of 10 minutes each to introduce their artworks to the judges, allowing them to understand the meaning of your work.
Open Art is a challenge against oneself, with the aim of evaluating one’s own level and finding the motivation to continuously improve. The competition awards multiple Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals (open format) and all winners will be featured in the art book, which will be published in the months following the festival.
Gold medal winners will be invited to register for BEST ART the following year.
Special awards play an important role: they are established to highlight individual aspects of the models. Every model on display can be selected by the judges to compete for the Awards.
Rating criteria
Belgioioso Model Contest gives an opportunity to teens under the age of 16 to take part in a competition. Their model display will be graded according to:
Belgioioso Game Art Show is a contest dedicated to all gamers and models from any game (fantasy, historical, futuristic). The awards follow the standard format of gold, silver, and bronze for each category.
Models can be mounted either on a gaming base or on a scenic base; in the case of a scenic base, it will not be judged. In any case, we suggest adding a wooden plinth for display purposes.
Each artist may enter only one piece per category.
The submission of pieces to GAME ART is open until 11:30 AM on Sunday. Each artist can participate with only one entry per category.
01 Single Miniature
Infantry at human scale or cavalry on a proportionate mount (horse, boar, bike, etc.)
02 Unit – Squad – Regiment
No limit on size or scale, or type, with a minimum of three models and a maximum of ten (e.g., Blood Bowl team, Landsknecht unit, tank or artillery battery, sci-fi unit).
03 Monster – Monstrous Creature
Single miniature or mount larger than a human. A monster can be organic or mechanical. For example, a dragon ridden by a human counts as a monster.
04 Vehicle, Warmachine, or Engine of War (Historical – Fantasy – Sci-Fi)
Chariot, tank, trebuchet, airplane, spaceship, ship, etc.
05 Army
Judged on the gaming table in the case of armies used for in-fair tournaments or demo games. Even those not taking part in a tournament may enter by displaying their army at a time and place specified by the organizers. Armies must be fully painted.
06 Vintage
Models produced up to 1999, with no restriction on brand or type.
07 Green – 3D Print – Heavy Conversion
Gaming miniature sculpted or heavily converted. If painted, pre-paint documentation must be provided.
08 Duel or Sequence
A duel between two models or a battle sequence. There must be active interaction between the models; dioramas that respect these rules are accepted (for other types of dioramas, we recommend registering in Open/Best Art with the Diorama Award). For example, duelists simply staring at each other will not be accepted.
09 Scenic
Gaming scenery pieces and terrain, maximum size 40x40 cm.
Every artist can participate in the GAME ART SHOW with just one entry for each category.
CONCEPT ART (extended description at the end)
Contest with online registration dedicated to original concept art drawings of any type of modelling or art.
3D SCULPT (extended description at the end)
Contest with online registration dedicated to 3D renders of digital sculptures of any type of modelling or art.
The special awards are cross-category contest prizes that recognize the best subject across all participants from all contests. (For example, the Best Original Idea award could even be won by a Juniors entry.)
01 Fantasy Figure
02 Historical Figure
A historical character representing a specific era, which may include military, civilian, or culturally significant figures.
03 Sci-Fi Figure
A science fiction character inspired by literature, films, TV series, or entirely original creations.
04 Military Ground Vehicle (open to all scales and types)
Any ground vehicle used in military contexts, from ancient history to the present day.
05 Aircraft (open to all scales and types)
Any aircraft that has flown the skies, from the first balloons to modern airplanes.
06 Ship (open to all scales and types)
Any vessel that has sailed seas, rivers, or oceans, from the past to the present.
07 Civilian Vehicle (Car, Motorcycle, Train) – NEW
Models of civilian vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and trains.
08 Sci-Fi Vehicle and/or Mecha
Science fiction vehicles or robots, including mechas and spaceships.
09 Best Bust (Historical – Fantasy – Sci-Fi)
A bust depicting a historical, fantasy, or sci-fi character.
10 Best Original Idea (open to all modeling categories)
A subject or group of subjects never seen before in modeling. It can be self-sculpted or built with commercial pieces, as long as it represents a truly innovative concept.
11 Best Traditional Sculpture (open to all modeling categories)
The best sculpture made entirely by hand, without digital tools. It can be painted or unpainted, but only the sculpting will be judged. If painted, documentation of the creative process is recommended.
12 Best Historical Moment (open to all modeling categories)
A miniature scene depicting a historical event.
13 Best Satirical or Critical Work (open to all modeling categories)
Any modeling piece that delivers a social, political, or environmental critique, or conveys an ironic and thought-provoking message.
14 Movie Comics Subject
Subjects inspired by movies, comics, or books from any era.
15 Best Diorama (open to all modeling categories)
A set of models telling a real or fantasy story.
16 Best Scenic Setting (open to all modeling categories)
A landscape or scene serving as a backdrop for models. Only the construction and painting of the scenery will be judged.
17 Female Subject
A model representing a female character.
18 Best Painting (open to all modeling categories)
Online Application
You can sign up to the following link www.belgioiosominiart.it/contest . The closing date to the registration is 15 September 2024 at 10pm.
The prize for the online application is
After the registration you’ll get a confirmation email with an overview of the materials sent. You can edit the model list until 15 September 2025 at 10pm, by sending an email to info@belgioiosominiart.it.
On-site application
You can hand in your works during the convention without previous online registration by paying 30 euros. 2 DAYS TICKET INCLUDED.
Handing of the models
The handing of the models is scheduled for
By handing the works to the competition, every participant states that the work/s are made by their own.
The violation of this rule means a ban from the competition and the takeaway of the awards won.
The organisers allow that the handing of the models can be done by a second person if stated in advance.
Placement
The artworks must be assembled, attached or placed on bases or props in order to be safely moved but also to be viewed without exposing them to any damage. The organisation does not respond to any damage done while moving the artworks.
Award Ceremony & Model Pick up
The award ceremony is scheduled for 21 September from 4:30pm in the tensile structure connected to the Castle. Only After the ceremony, the models can be picked up at the Sala Degli Stucchi.