Deadline: 30-May-2026
The Young Generation Art Award is an international initiative designed to support early-career artists and promote contemporary artistic practices. It provides financial support, exhibition exposure, and media coverage to help emerging artists gain visibility in the global art scene.
The award is open to diverse visual art disciplines and emphasizes creative originality and professional development.
Key Objectives
The initiative aims to:
- Support emerging international artists at early career stages
- Promote contemporary and experimental artistic practices
- Provide international exhibition opportunities
- Increase public visibility through media and publications
- Encourage innovation in visual storytelling and installation-based work
Eligible Art Forms
The award accepts submissions in the following disciplines:
- Fine art
- Photography
- Video art
- Media art
- Installation art
All submitted works must demonstrate originality and exhibition readiness.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be international artists
- Must be up to 35 years old as of 30 May 2026
- Must work in eligible artistic disciplines
- Formal academic education is not required
- Must agree to competition terms and conditions
Award Structure and Benefits
The Young Generation Art Award provides multiple levels of recognition and financial support:
Main Prize
- €10,000 funding
- Inclusion in an international traveling exhibition
Shortlisted Artists
- €3,000 exhibition fee for selected shortlisted artists who do not win the main prize
Additional Support
- €500 production fee per participating artist if required for exhibition preparation
- Public award ceremony with all shortlisted artists present
- International exposure through exhibitions and media coverage
Exhibition Details
- Scheduled for autumn 2026
- Includes international traveling exhibition format
- Artworks must remain available for the entire exhibition period
- Early withdrawal of artworks is not permitted
- All artworks will be insured during the exhibition period
- Public award ceremony with artist participation
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a complete digital portfolio and supporting materials:
Portfolio Submission
- Digital artist portfolio in PDF format
- Maximum file size: 8 MB
- Must include artworks intended for potential exhibition
Additional Documents
- Short artist biography
- Current contact information
- Artist statement describing creative practice and vision
Selection Considerations
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Artistic originality and creativity
- Conceptual strength of work
- Relevance to contemporary art practices
- Exhibition readiness of submitted works
- Overall portfolio quality and coherence
Why This Award Matters
This award is significant for emerging artists because it:
- Provides early-career financial support
- Offers international exhibition exposure
- Connects artists with curators and audiences
- Enhances professional visibility through media coverage
- Supports long-term artistic development and career growth
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Young Generation Art Award?
- It is an international award supporting emerging artists through funding, exhibitions, and media exposure in collaboration with Degussa Goldhandel and Monopol magazine.
- Who can apply for the award?
- International artists aged 35 or younger as of 30 May 2026 working in fine art, photography, video, media, or installation art.
- What is the main prize?
- The winner receives €10,000 and inclusion in an international traveling exhibition.
- Do shortlisted artists receive funding?
- Yes, shortlisted artists receive a €3,000 exhibition fee, and a €500 production fee may also be provided if needed.
- What are the application requirements?
- A PDF portfolio (max 8 MB), artist biography, contact information, and artist statement are required.
- Is academic education required?
- No, formal art education is not mandatory to apply.
- When will the exhibition take place?
- The exhibition is scheduled for autumn 2026 and will include a traveling format.
Conclusion
The Young Generation Art Award is a major international opportunity for emerging artists seeking financial support, exhibition exposure, and career development. By combining funding with global visibility, the award plays a key role in promoting contemporary artistic talent and supporting early-stage creative careers.
For more information, visit Degussa.