Top Art Competitions 2026
Discover current open calls for national and international art competitions.
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- clear overview of the best grants, prizes, residences
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Deadline
Jan 23, 2026
Information
Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours
Genre:
Art Competition
Art field:
Drawing
Theme: Watercolors
Reward
Winsor & Newton Award:
Winsor & Newton Product Prize:
Leathersellers' Prize:
Eligibility conditions
Deadline
Jan 23, 2026
Information
Racine Art Museum Emerging Artist Award
Genre:
Art Competition
Art field:
Reward
Eligibility conditions
No students
Born between 1987 (included) and 2005 (included)
For artists who reside anywhere in Racine and Kenosha counties
Deadline
Jan 26, 2026
Information
Irarearstawrdnbttitao naga nal
Genre:
Art Competition
Art field:
Painting /
Drawing
Theme: nnndwaanigadt iiPgr
Reward
4 x:
Eligibility conditions
Born between 1986 (included) and 2008 (included)
Resident of
Austria,
Czech Republic,
Hungary,
Poland,
Slovakia
Deadline
Jan 29, 2026
Information
Iueümr irk stnetviasmtelrpehien zr
Genre:
Art Competition
Art field:
Reward
Location
Rnduehelh airrüm m
Germany
Eligibility conditions
No students
Born between 1970 (included) and 1985 (included)
For mid-career artists in the ruhr area
Deadline
Jan 31, 2026
Information
Zpenkiasii korwl
Genre:
Art Competition
Art field:
Digital /
Sound /
Painting /
Drawing /
Photography /
Video /
Graphic /
Installation /
Performance /
Sculpture
Reward
Eligibility conditions
No students
Resident of
Baden-Württemberg (DE)
Graduates of the Academy of Fine Arts Karlsruhe
Deadline
Jan 31, 2026
Information
B uyeph deerinrsrb k emcnüeaorbndöfsn bder
Genre:
Art Competition
Art field:
Reward
Eligibility conditions
For artists whose first degree from an art academy was completed at least one year ago and no more than ten years ago, or who, as self-taught artists, have been professionally active for no more than ten years
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.