2026 ISSA Certification Service for International Sculptors

The International Sculptor Certification Service, provided by the International Sculpture Symposium Alliance (ISSA), is officially launched for 2026. The rules and qualifications remain the same as in the previous year.

The purpose of this service is to recognize a sculptor’s contribution to the world by translating artistic achievements into measurable and standardized forms. The certificate helps raise the visibility of the profession, attract media attention, and support artists in title evaluation and commercial projects. The principle of certification is to remain objective through statistics and to avoid subjective appraisal.

Over the past five years of certification activities, 200 sculptors from more than 60 countries have been certified. Among them, 73 were awarded the Junior International Sculptor certification; 94 received the 1+ International Sculptor certification; 26 received the 2+ International Sculptor certification; 8 received the 3+ International Sculptor certification; and 1 received the 4+ International Sculptor certification. 4+ is currently the highest level of certification. This certification is recognized by multiple art organizations and supported by media outlets in various countries.

The certification rules for 2026 are as follows. ISSA does not evaluate the level of artistry; instead, the service certifies the number of countries and regions in which the artist has an impact. The certification title depends on the number of countries and regions impacted: Junior International Sculptor (5 or more), 1+ International Sculptor (10 or more), and 2+ International Sculptor (20 or more). The title is upgraded with every additional 10 countries and regions, and it may also be upgraded by submitting supplementary materials for recertification.

With the belief that good sculptures do not live in palaces but among the people, only large-scale, permanent public sculptures are eligible to apply, including commercial sculptures and symposium sculptures.

Artists are welcome to apply and to recommend fellow artists. Application materials should include photos of the sculpture, date, location, witness, and supporting witness materials (such as a witness certificate, media coverage, etc.). Please email the completed form to: world_issa@163.com.

ISSA awards the Certificate of International Sculptor. The certificate is the primary reference for the 160 ISSA global divisions when inviting artist participants. ISSA will also actively expand this standard to more artistic fields. Certified sculptors will be automatically qualified as an ISSA member.

All information provided must be truthful and accurate. Certification will be permanently revoked if there is any evidence of fraud.

This service is provided for sculptors working internationally and is free of charge for 2026. Certification is renewed annually. A service fee may apply in cases of increased workload. Digital certificates will be delivered to the email address designated by the artist. Paper certificates will be presented by ISSA associate members during certain ceremonies.

International Sculptor Certification Application Form.docx

Chief Editor: Liu Qin

Translator: Sun Ya’nan

Legal Advisor: Tao Ran’ting