Future Generation Art Prize — international prize for artists under 35 with a $100,000 grand award

Few international prizes are able to combine an open competition, substantial funding, support for new projects, and the opportunity to present work to a broad professional audience. Future Generation Art Prize is one of those rare programmes. The prize was created to discover and support a new generation of artists from around the world and is now considered one of the most prestigious international awards for emerging artists working in contemporary art. One of the key features of the prize is its open and free online application process. In addition to applications submitted through the website, artists are also nominated by hundreds of experts from different countries, including curators, critics, artists, and professors from art academies. This approach combines an open call with the professional expertise of the international art community.

What the winner receives
The main winner of Future Generation Art Prize receives $100,000, of which $60,000 is awarded in cash, while $40,000 is invested in the production of new artworks. In addition to the main prize, the jury may award up to five special prizes. A further $20,000 is allocated to support projects by the special prize recipients. For many artists, the value of the programme extends far beyond financial support. The prize offers long-term engagement and helps artists realise new projects that can become important milestones in the development of their practice.

Why this prize is considered unique
Future Generation Art Prize takes place once every two years and is dedicated exclusively to young artists. Over the years, the programme has built an international network of more than 60 partner platforms and around 400 correspondents worldwide, helping to discover new talent and promote the competition internationally. In addition, approximately 300 international experts nominate artists for the prize each cycle. As a result, the competition brings together artists from a wide range of countries and artistic contexts, creating a truly global platform for discovering a new generation of creators.

Who can apply
Applications are open to artists aged 18 to 35 regardless of gender, nationality, country of residence, or artistic discipline. The prize accepts all forms of contemporary art, including painting, photography, video art, digital practices, sculpture, installation, performance, and interdisciplinary projects. Both individual artists and artistic collectives are eligible to apply. Each participant may submit only one application during the current call.

What materials are required
To participate, applicants must create an account on the prize website and complete the online application form. Artists are required to upload 3 to 7 works, provide photographs or videos, submit a résumé, and include a short description of their artistic practice. A portrait photograph is also required. The application process is straightforward and does not require a complex project proposal, making the competition accessible even to artists applying to international open calls for the first time.

How the selection process works
After the application period closes, an international expert committee prepares a preliminary selection for review by the selection committee. The committee then chooses up to 20 finalist artists, who become participants in the final exhibition. The works of the finalists are presented in an exhibition at PinchukArtCentre. Based on this exhibition, the international jury selects the recipient of the main prize and the special awards.

Important participation conditions
Participation in the competition is completely free of charge. Artists retain full copyright ownership of their works. The organisers cover transportation and insurance costs for the works of finalists participating in the exhibition. It is important to note that the current edition does not accept applications from citizens of Russia or Belarus regardless of their country of residence. This condition is officially stated in the competition rules.

Why this opportunity deserves attention
For many young artists, Future Generation Art Prize becomes more than a competition—it is an opportunity to present their work for the first time on one of the most visible international platforms for contemporary art. The combination of an open call, free participation, a significant prize fund, and support from the professional art community makes this prize one of the most important opportunities available to artists under 35.

The deadline for applications is 28 June 2026.