The 2013 Ceramics of Italy Tile Competition (celebrating its 20th year) is officially underway and projects are being sought with the most exceptional and innovative use of Italian ceramic tile.

Sponsored by Confindustria Ceramica (the Italian Association of Ceramics comprised of 150+ ceramic tile manufacturers) and the Italian Trade Commission, the 2013 competition is open to North American architects and designers who have featured Italian ceramic tile in their institutional, residential, and commercial/hospitality spaces completed between January 2008 and January 2013. Projects can range from hotels and shopping centres to gymnasiums and single-family homes. The competition is completely digital and free to enter.

Winners in each category will be awarded $4,000 + a five-day trip to Italy. Deadline for entries: 6 February 2013. For the official competition guidelines, an archive of past winners and the online submission form, visit: www.tilecompetition.com . For live updates, follow Ceramics of Italy's Twitter feed @ceramicsofitaly and hashtag relevant tweets #tilecompetition.