Panel of judges
For the painting exhibition and related activities we are very proud to have brought in painters originating from different European countries. Each of them highly talented and experienced with both painting and judging. They have won the most prestigious awards, and this combined with their humble and friendly demeanor has earned them global respect in the process.
Okeanos Rising model painting and exhibition contest
The model exhibition is considered “open”. This means you can submit anything as long as it fits in one of the described categories. Does not have to be something meant for tabletop gaming. You can either submit on "plinth" or "base". This is not important.
You can sculpt, create and print your own bits and pieces to create your own original models, you can mix and match pieces from various franchises or you can use models from a single franchise such as Warhammer 40K. The requirement is that you adhere to the restrictions of each category in which you decide to enter your models.
The choice is yours- be creative!
Participants will be categorized by judges’ agreement to either “Journeyman”, “bronze”, “silver”, “gold”. There is no limit as to how many can be awarded our coins and diplomas for any of the higher categories. What is earned is given!
The judges will finally review all entries that have achieved the category of “Gold”. These are the ones in the running for the exhibitions highest honour. This is a non-annual award given only to the most exceptional work.
“Trophy pictures and name to be revealed”
Personal feedback
We are aiming to focus more on personal feedback as this makes the event a more special experience. Scheduling of personal feedback will be announced at a later time and will be adjusted as we lock down the number of participants.
The categories
Painters of all skill levels and experience are welcome. There are no classes or categories to separate entries. You can create and enter any model/miniature. It can be fantasy based og sci-fi based and everything in between, such as steampunk or any other thing. IF you are going beyond the Warhammer universe and its’ various systems, be aware of their basing standards and miniature sizes as these will be guiding how the entries are judged. All entries are judged individually at the judges’ discretion.
All models must be placed on an appropriate base or plinth. These can be either square, round or oval. Models can stretch beyond their bases. This is especially true for “flyers” and for a number of other models. Use pictures provided with each category as a your reference to what is “appropriate” for that category
Single Miniature*
This category is for any single miniature or head on an appropriately sized base or plinth. – including miniatures mounted on smaller vehicles and creatures like bikes, jetbikes, beasts and characters up to and including Daemon Princes, and Roboute Guilliman. See size details to the right.
Unit
This category is for groups of three to ten miniatures. The unit may be displayed on an appropriately sized base. This includes miniatures on foot, small vehicles, and miniatures mounted on bikes, jetbikes and beasts. They must be organized and presented as a thematically coherent unit. Sizes include anything from Grot, Tau Breachers, Tyranid Warriors and Space Marine Centurions.
Large Miniature* or Vehicle
This category is for any single vehicle, bust, head or large model mounted on an appropriately sized base. This includes non-titanic tanks, walkers, flyers, and monsters – everything from Stormraven Gunships, Nemesis Dreadknights to Land Raiders, Aeldari Avatars, or Greater Daemons. This includes characters like the C’tan Shard of the Void Dragon, Szarekh and The Silent King.
Diorama
Dimensions of the piece may be no greater than 50x50x50cm. Only one piece may be submitted by each diorama participant. The content of the piece can be any combination of, but not restricted to or limited by, scenery, model(s) and background. If using warhammer miniatures this is where you can use titanic units.
*Miniature is defined as a smaller version of something. Could be a wheel, umbrella, squirrel or unicorn. Up to you! You are not limited to GW miniatures.
Rating categories applied to entries by the judges
Youngblood winners will receive a diploma, depicting them being recognized as budding artists and miniature painters. This category is reserved for teens and children either 15 or younger
Journeyman winners will receive a nickel coin. This represents your convincing entry into the body of acclaimed painters. The artist is employing multiple techniques to a solid standard. The artist is in the process of learning and mastering the various relevant skills of basing and painting. While not straying from conventional approaches the artist shows potential in achieving a more advanced level of skill and independence. Winners of the coin in this category will enter the "Masters" category in the following year. Entries that are considered high quality, but do not quite achieve the level required to get a coin, may be recognized as "commended" instead.
Masters winners are awarded either Bronze, Silver or Gold. These awards are the tools of the judges to organize the amount of accomplished work entered into the exhibition. You will be judged in terms of narrative, creativity, presentation and the extent to which your techniques serve these ambitions.
"Gold" is separated from the rest by level by independence from conventions and creativity in the realization of ideas. Not only a professional, but a true artist realising bold ideas with creative application of a wide range of techniques from modeling, through painting to final presentation. "Gold" entries are in the running for "Best of show"- trophy.
Diorama
No part of the entry can stretch beyond the given measurements. Entry may be smaller than the maximum allowed dimensions.
The exhibition and how the spaces will be organized
We have access to approximately 800sqm of floorspace across 3 floors, that will be split up of between social, mingling and exhibitions. The most prominent spaces will be reserved for exhibitions and to ensure a positive and well organized flow of spectators that wish to admire the work on display.
For the purposes of maintaining ease of entry and judging, the exhibition area will be organized into zones. Each category will be assigned its´own zone and within this zone, display areas will be organized in cohorts according to number. All participants will have a number assigned to each of their entries.
This page will be updated with a map of the zones and display areas, so that participants can display their models and quickly and easily as we can make it happen.
Keep in mind that we are not just having the models judged. We are building an exhibition event and practicing for the inclusion of an audience with the 2027 expansion.
Photo booth
We intend to photograph all submitted models and present them in a gallery on the website.
If your model is fully complete before travelling to Bergen, then feel free to take a beauty shot of your entries and mail them to us at contact@okeanos-rising.com along with your name.
This is ease our workload and help us greatly.
The Tickets and exhibition details. NOTE: Many changes are coming here.
Exhibition competition
Note: Each ticket allows multiple entries in each category, but you will only receive a commendation for your best entry in each of those categories.
Ticket price
Each ticket allows multiple entries in all categories
Tickets include the keynote
Tickets include snacks on saturday and sunday morning as well as coffee from "doors open" until the bar/kiosk opens at 1200
Lunch can be pre-ordered through the checkin payment system. Pre-orders for food must be made minimum 14 days prior to the event.
Catering for lunch is still being sorted and menu will be published as soon as we can manage.
Dinner: Looking at setting up a dinner reservation for those that would like a group solution.
Submissions open Friday 1800 August 5th and continues from 0830 on saturday 6th. All models must be submitted by 1000 saturday August 6th.
Personal feedback will be conducted on both saturday and sunday. This means participants will be receiving personal feedback before they are formally awarded for their effort.
Ticket prices reflect a portion of the cost of venue, the logistics surrounding the painting exhibitions and the judges.
NOTE:
If you drop from the 2027 event, you ticket will be moved to the 2028 event and you will have a free ticket there regardless of price. You will also be given free tickets to all our local events. We'll change this policy if we manage to get additional funding from private sector.
Staying in Bergen
The venue is situated at the very center of the city. Trains and buses from the airport or other cities all have their stop at "Bergen Storsenter" which is within 3 minute walking distance from the venue.
There are restaurants and supermarkets everywhere around the venue, but food and drink can also be pre-ordered at the venue.
For 2026 we have replaced one hotel so that both our hotels are within 5 minute walking distance of each other
Contact@okeanos-rising.com
