Top Art Competitions 2026
Discover current open calls for national and international art competitions.
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Deadline
July 21, 2026
Information
7th VH Award
Genre:
Art Competition
Art field:
Digital /
Sound /
Video /
Installation
Theme: Audiovisual screen-based works
Reward
5 finalists receive:
25,000 U$ Budget
Online Residency
Exhibition
Eligibility conditions
Individuals or collectives whose work engages with the context of Asia Individuals or collectives of Asian descent, those based in Asia, and members of the Asian diaspora
Deadline
July 31, 2026
Information
u-eiitnae niaermluxrr n&ne f onr alzsplea eevrtg
Genre:
Art Competition
Art field:
Digital /
Sound /
Painting /
Drawing /
Photography /
Video /
Printmaking /
Installation /
Performance /
Sculpture /
Textile Art /
Ceramics
Theme: r env iEontA&nmrt
Reward
Residency and support program
Exhibition
Eligibility conditions
Deadline
July 31, 2026
Information
reoizemf ptralu esktaeer atrsrl rlept
Genre:
Art Competition
Art field:
Theme: stEetsa
Reward
Eligibility conditions
No students
Artists, estate administrators, and heirs from the administrative district of Karlsruhe are eligible to participate.
Deadline
Aug 6, 2026
Information
Tom rcti imenonbnütgpomzee arrfu
Genre:
Art Competition
Art field:
Drawing /
Photography /
Video /
Printmaking
/
Collage
Theme: n- dspetasoo Sloniecplociocenotlanimdtii dv
Reward
3 x:
Eligibility conditions
Born between 1986 (included) and 2008 (included)
Deadline
Aug 7, 2026
Information
Dolmxtatpxrwzyo n iidnninet teietelaorngea as rih
Genre:
Art Competition
Art field:
Theme: eiltTex
Reward
Eligibility conditions
For students who are currently enrolled in an educational institution teaching textiles, fashion, interior or lifestyle textiles. Graduates from 2025 and 2026 are eligible to enter.
Deadline
Aug 10, 2026
Information
Rt .tert rnaoonzpanmfue idrledt needla ewir
Genre:
Art Competition
Art field:
Theme: et/ser/Sraseserönadfe/O eHWV
Reward
Location
Rrdbreöveme
Germany
Eligibility conditions
Deadline
Aug 14, 2026
Information
R o raadecomw ilgaimhaerpthtea
Genre:
Art Competition
Art field:
Painting
Theme: Pritaotr
Reward
Eligibility conditions
Nationality:
Australian
For female artist who is an Australian citizen or British born and have been
resident in Australia during the last twelve months
Art competitions are great opportunities for artists, offering cash prizes along with the rewards of exposure and recognition. By validating your artistic practice, they increase your visibility in the art world. Art competitions can serve as a catalyst that accelerates an artist's progress to success. Visit our website to view the best current art competitions.
Are you looking for open calls for art competitions in a specific country or city? Check our carefully chosen selections:
Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding art competitions here:
What is an art competition?
Art competitions are events where artists are invited to submit their work based on a particular theme or category. Organized by a variety of entities such as institutions, galleries, or other art organizations, these competitions aim to identify, acknowledge, and support talented artists. A panel of judges typically awards prizes, exhibitions, publications, or other forms of recognition to the best entries. Winning art competitions offers artists crucial exposure and recognition.
What are typical prizes of art competitions?
Art competitions offer artists a variety of prizes. These can range from cash awards, to opportunities in order to exhibit works and gain exposure. Some competitions also offer artist residencies, scholarships, as well as art supplies or equipment as prizes. Winners may have their work featured in a catalog, an art magazine, or on an online platform, increasing recognition and exposure. Ultimately, winning awards become a valuable addition to an artist's resume.
The list of art competitions on our website specifies in each case clearly what the “prize“ entails.
How does the judging process work?
The jury panel generally consists of a number of distinguished persons from the art world, who, over the course of several rounds, individually decide which applications to eliminate or pass on to the next rounds. Shortlisted works are then subjected to further scrutiny. The process concludes with the panel collectively deciding on the winners.
How do I apply for an art competition?
Most open calls for art competitions require artists to submit a comprehensive application, including a portfolio, an artist statement, and a resume. The number of applicants for art competitions is often high, especially for the more prestigious prizes. Therefore, your application needs be impactful, clear, straightforward, and inviting to review.
Do you need help in these matters? Check our online courses “How to make a portfolio” and “How to write an artists statement” which serve as step-by-step guides giving you all the tools you need to build a strong application for art competitions.