10th LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize Celebrating Contemporary Craft Excellence

Deadline: 15-Oct-2026

The 10th LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize invites professional artisans from around the world to submit exceptional handcrafted works that demonstrate artistic excellence, innovation, and contemporary relevance. The winning entry will receive €50,000, while selected finalists will exhibit their work in the LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize 2027 exhibition in Europe.

The Prize celebrates craftsmanship that combines traditional techniques with creative innovation, highlighting the role of craft in contemporary culture. Professional artisans aged 18 and above from any nationality are eligible to apply.

About the LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize

The LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize was established to celebrate outstanding craftsmanship and recognize artisans whose work demonstrates exceptional artistic vision, technical excellence, and innovation.

Inspired by LOEWE’s origins as an artisanal workshop, the Prize supports contemporary craft by encouraging makers to reinterpret traditional techniques in ways that contribute meaningfully to today’s artistic and cultural landscape.

Prize Information

The competition offers significant international recognition and financial awards.

Funding and awards include:

• Winner’s Prize: €50,000
• Special Mention Award: €5,000 per selected work
• Finalist works will be exhibited in the LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize 2027 Exhibition
• Selected works will also be featured in the official exhibition catalogue
• The exhibition is planned to take place in Europe during Spring 2027, or another location selected by the LOEWE FOUNDATION

Prize Objectives

The Craft Prize aims to:

• Recognise excellence in contemporary craftsmanship
• Celebrate artistic vision and originality
• Promote innovation in craft
• Support professional artisans worldwide
• Increase international visibility for talented makers
• Encourage reinterpretation of traditional craft techniques
• Highlight the cultural importance of handmade artistic practice
• Strengthen the role of craft in contemporary art and design

Priority Focus Areas

The Prize supports works that demonstrate:

• Craft excellence
• Artistic merit
• Innovation
• Originality
• Technical mastery
• Creative experimentation
• Contemporary artistic expression
• Personal artistic language
• Distinct craftsmanship
• Reinterpretation of traditional techniques
• Cultural relevance
• High-quality handmade production

Eligible Craft Categories

Applications are welcomed across a broad range of craft disciplines, including:

• Ceramics
• Bookbinding
• Enamelwork
• Jewellery
• Lacquer
• Metalwork
• Furniture
• Leather
• Textiles
• Glass
• Wood
• Paper
• Other innovative craft materials that meet the competition requirements

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Professional artisans
• Individual makers
• Groups of artisans

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be professional craftspeople
• Be of any nationality
• Own the submitted work

Businesses, commercial companies, and mercantile organisations are not eligible.

Eligibility Requirements

Submitted works must:

• Be original creations
• Be one-off works or a series of works
• Be handmade or partly handmade by the applicant
• Have been created within the last five years
• Be owned by the participant
• Demonstrate artistic vision and innovation
• Show originality and creativity
• Reflect technical excellence
• Be suitable for transportation and exhibition installation
• Not have previously won another prize

Works that were finalists in previous editions of the LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize are not eligible.

Participants must notify the LOEWE FOUNDATION if:

• The work wins another competition after submission
• Ownership changes
• The work is sold or transferred
• The work is damaged after submission

Why This Prize Matters

The LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize is one of the world’s leading international awards for contemporary craft.

It provides:

• Global recognition
• Significant financial support
• International exhibition opportunities
• Professional visibility
• Career development
• Exposure to collectors, museums, galleries, and curators
• Recognition of innovative craftsmanship
• Celebration of cultural heritage through contemporary making

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Create an original handcrafted work or series of works.
2. Confirm that the work meets all eligibility requirements.
3. Ensure the work was created within the last five years and has not previously won awards.
4. Prepare the required submission materials according to the competition guidelines.
5. Submit one eligible entry before the application deadline.
6. Wait for the selection process to identify finalists.
7. If selected, coordinate with the LOEWE FOUNDATION for exhibition, transportation, and installation arrangements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting commercially produced works
• Entering more than one submission
• Submitting previously awarded works
• Entering works created more than five years ago
• Submitting works that are not owned by the applicant
• Failing to disclose ownership changes or damage after submission
• Entering works that cannot safely travel for exhibition
• Submitting works previously selected as finalists in earlier editions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize?

Professional artisans aged 18 years or older from any country may apply individually or as a group.

What is the winner’s prize?

The winning work receives €50,000.

Are there additional awards?

Yes. Works receiving a Special Mention receive €5,000 each.

What types of craft are eligible?

Eligible disciplines include ceramics, jewellery, textiles, furniture, leather, glass, wood, paper, metalwork, bookbinding, lacquer, enamelwork, and other qualifying craft materials.

Can I submit more than one work?

No. Each participant may submit one single work or one series of works.

Can businesses apply?

No. Businesses and mercantile companies are not eligible. Only professional artisans and artisan groups may participate.

What happens if I become a finalist?

Finalist works will be exhibited in the LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize 2027 exhibition and published in the accompanying exhibition catalogue.

Conclusion

The LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize 2027 offers professional artisans an exceptional opportunity to gain international recognition for innovative contemporary craftsmanship. With a €50,000 grand prize, €5,000 Special Mention awards, and a prestigious international exhibition, the competition celebrates outstanding handmade works that combine artistic excellence, technical mastery, and creative interpretation of traditional craft for today’s world.

For more information, visit LOEWE FOUNDATION.