Deadline: 30-Sep-2026
The Toto Funds the Arts Digital Art Award supports emerging digital artists in India aged 18 to 29 who create original digitally drawn or produced still images. Introduced in 2023 in memory of Indian abstract artist Mehlli Gobhai, the annual award selects one winner through an independent jury.
What Is the Toto Digital Art Award?
The Digital Art Award is an annual award organised by Toto Funds the Arts to recognise emerging talent in digital art in India.
The award was launched in 2023 in memory of Mehlli Gobhai, a prominent figure in Indian abstract art.
Its primary purpose is to encourage young artists who use digital tools and techniques to create still-image artworks.
Who Is the Award For?
The award is specifically designed for young digital artists in India.
Applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 29 years old.
- Be based in India.
- Create digitally drawn or digitally produced still images.
- Be emerging practitioners in the field of digital art.
The opportunity is particularly relevant to artists working with digital illustration, digital drawing and other forms of digitally created static visual art.
What Type of Art Is Eligible?
The award focuses on digitally created still images.
Eligible work should be created or produced using digital methods rather than being simply a photograph of a traditionally created artwork.
Digital artists may use appropriate digital tools and techniques to develop their visual work, provided the final artwork fits the award’s focus on digitally created still imagery.
What Is the Purpose of the Award?
The Digital Art Award has two main objectives:
- Recognise emerging digital artists in India.
- Encourage experimentation and development in digital art.
The award also continues the legacy of Mehlli Gobhai by creating a platform for young artists working in contemporary visual practices.
How Is the Winner Selected?
One winner is selected each year.
The selection is made by an independent jury, which evaluates the submitted digital artworks and chooses the artist considered most deserving of the award.
The available information does not specify a detailed scoring system or individual judging criteria.
Who Is Mehlli Gobhai?
Mehlli Gobhai was an important Indian abstract artist whose work contributed significantly to modern and contemporary Indian art.
The Digital Art Award was established in his memory, connecting his artistic legacy with support for a new generation of emerging digital practitioners.
How to Apply
Applicants should follow the official Toto Funds the Arts application instructions for the relevant award cycle.
In general, prospective applicants should:
- Confirm eligibility — Check that you are an Indian artist aged 18–29.
- Prepare eligible artwork — Ensure the submitted work consists of digitally drawn or produced still images.
- Review submission requirements — Check the current call for specifications regarding file formats, number of works and supporting information.
- Submit the application — Complete the application through the designated Toto Funds the Arts submission process.
- Await jury selection — Submitted works are considered by an independent jury, which selects the annual winner.
Applicants should always verify the current year’s submission rules before preparing their final entry.
Why Does the Digital Art Award Matter?
The award provides recognition for young artists working in a rapidly developing area of contemporary art.
It can help:
- Increase visibility for emerging digital artists.
- Encourage experimentation with digital art.
- Recognise innovative visual practices.
- Provide an opportunity for young Indian artists to gain independent jury recognition.
- Support the continued development of India’s digital art community.
Common Tips for Applicants
Young artists considering the award should:
- Submit work that clearly demonstrates digital artistic practice.
- Present a strong and coherent visual concept.
- Ensure artwork files meet the current technical requirements.
- Carefully review age and residency eligibility.
- Follow all submission instructions.
- Submit original work and provide accurate information about the creation process.
Toto Digital Art Award at a Glance
- Award: Toto Funds the Arts Digital Art Award
- Organiser: Toto Funds the Arts
- Country: India
- Age: 18–29 years
- Eligible applicants: Young digital artists in India
- Art form: Digitally drawn or produced still images
- Winner: One artist annually
- Selection: Independent jury
- Established: 2023
- Created in memory of: Mehlli Gobhai
- Focus: Emerging digital art practitioners
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Toto Digital Art Award?
Young artists in India aged 18 to 29 who create digitally drawn or produced still images can apply.
What type of artwork does the award recognise?
The award recognises digitally created still images, including digitally drawn or digitally produced visual artworks.
How many winners are selected?
The award selects one winner each year.
Who chooses the winner?
An independent jury is responsible for selecting the annual winner.
When was the Digital Art Award established?
The award was introduced by Toto Funds the Arts in 2023.
Why was the award created?
It was established to honour the memory of Mehlli Gobhai and encourage emerging digital artists in India.
Can artists outside India apply?
The opportunity is intended for artists in India, and applicants must meet the specified Indian eligibility requirements.
Conclusion
The Toto Funds the Arts Digital Art Award offers young Indian digital artists an opportunity to gain recognition for their digitally created still-image work. Open to artists aged 18–29, the annual award combines support for emerging talent with a tribute to Mehlli Gobhai and is decided by an independent jury.
For more information, visit Toto Funds the Arts.