GES4SEAS is hosting the MarinART Challenge, an international competition that celebrates urban art inspired by the ocean. Organized by AZTI, the competition invites participants aged 16 and older from all around the world to submit photographs of ocean-themed murals and street art.

The challenge explores how the ocean inspires artistic expression, from marine ecosystems and sea creatures to climate change, coastal life, and human-ocean connections. Submissions must include original, unpublished photographs of murals, together with their location, to contribute to a global guide of ocean-inspired urban art.

Participants compete in two award categories. The Explorer Award will go to the participant who submits photographs from the largest number of different locations worldwide. The Contributor Award will recognize the participant who submits the highest number of qualifying mural photographs overall.

Entries are open until 31 May 2026, with winners to be announced on 8 June 2026, on World Oceans Day. Beyond the competition, submissions will support GES4SEAS research by helping experts better understand how the ocean serves as cultural and artistic inspiration in urban environments. Results of this analysis will be shared in a scientific article and summarised on the project website.

More information and submissions here.