Future Generation Art Prize 2026: US$100,000 for Young Artists Worldwide – Apply by June 28
Published: 28 May 2026 | Arts & Culture
The Future Generation Art Prize, a biannual global contemporary art prize, is now accepting applications for its 2026 edition. The prize discovers, recognizes, and provides long-term support to a future generation of artists worldwide.
The application deadline is June 28, 2026.
About the Prize
The Future Generation Art Prize was established by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation in 2009. Since its founding, the prize has supported the artistic development and production of new works by over 100 artists.
Works by past winners and shortlisted artists have been exhibited at the PinchukArtCentre in Kyiv and as official collateral events at the Venice Biennale in 2011, 2013, 2017, and 2019.
The prize is open to artists up to age 35 from any country, with no restrictions concerning gender, nationality, race, or artistic medium.
Prize Structure
Main Prize
The main prize winner receives US100,000.ThisamountissplitbetweenaUS60,000 cash prize and a US$40,000 investment in the winner’s artistic practice. The investment component is intended to support the production of new works and long-term career development.
Special Prizes
Up to five special prizes are awarded at the discretion of the jury. A total amount of US$20,000 is distributed among special prize winners to support projects that develop their artistic practice.
Eligibility Rules
All artists up to age 35 may apply with their work. There are no restrictions concerning gender, nationality, race, or artistic medium. Artists working in any medium are welcome to submit.
All artists apart from former prize winners are eligible to apply multiple times, as long as they continue to fulfill the entry conditions.
The prize operates through two application channels. First, artists may apply through an open call via the Internet. Second, 300 correspondent art experts from all over the world nominate a minimum of two and a maximum of five candidates each. These experts include curators, artists, critics, and tutors at art colleges and academies.
Selection Process
Selection Committee
A selection committee reviews all applications and selects up to twenty artists for the shortlist exhibition. The selection committee consists of experts on contemporary art. Members of the selection committee are put forward by the Jury, with each Jury member suggesting one Committee member.
The selection committee has the right to exclude applications which do not comply with the rules.
Jury
The Jury members are announced at a later date. The Jury is responsible for selecting the main prize winner and special prize winners from among the shortlisted artists.
Application Timeline
May 11 to June 28, 2026 – Applications accepted. Artists must submit their applications within this window.
TBA – Jury and selection committee members are announced.
September 14, 2026 – Shortlist announcement. Up to twenty artists are selected for the exhibition.
Spring 2027 – Exhibition of shortlisted artists at the PinchukArtCentre in Kyiv.
Spring 2027 – Future Generation Art Prize 2027 award ceremony.
How to Apply
Artists must submit their applications through the online portal. The application requires information about the artist’s practice, documentation of past works, and proposals for new works if selected.
Specific application requirements are detailed on the prize website.
Why Artists Should Apply
The Future Generation Art Prize offers several significant benefits for young artists.
The US100,000mainprizeprovidessubstantialfinancialsupport.TheUS40,000 investment component is specifically designed to support the production of new works, not just general living expenses.
The exhibition opportunity at the PinchukArtCentre in Kyiv provides international visibility. Past editions have also been featured as official collateral events at the Venice Biennale, one of the world’s most prestigious art exhibitions.
Shortlisted artists join a network of over 100 past participants who have received support from the prize. This community provides ongoing professional connections and opportunities for collaboration.
The prize has a proven track record of launching and advancing the careers of young artists from around the world.
Past Editions
Since 2009, the Future Generation Art Prize has grown into one of the most respected awards for emerging contemporary artists. Past winners and shortlisted artists have gone on to achieve international recognition, with their works appearing in major museums and biennales worldwide.
The prize’s connection to the Venice Biennale has provided past winners with exposure to collectors, curators, and gallery owners from around the world.
Tips for Applicants
Artists should prepare their application materials well before the June 28 deadline. The application requires documentation of past works, so artists should ensure they have high-quality images or video files ready.
The personal statement or artist statement should clearly articulate the artist’s practice, themes, and artistic goals. Selection committees look for originality, technical skill, and a clear artistic vision.
Artists who have applied in previous years but were not selected are eligible to apply again, as long as they remain under age 35. Persistence is common among prize winners.
Contact and Inquiries
Artists with questions about the application process should refer to the official prize website. The website provides detailed instructions, frequently asked questions, and contact information for the prize administrators.
Visit the Official Webpage of the Future Generation Art Prize
