Münzenberg Forum Art Competition — international contemporary art competition with a €5,000 prize fund
Art not only preserves the memory of the past but also helps us reinterpret events that continue to shape the present. Through photography, film, and collage, artists explore themes of freedom, resistance, social change, and human solidarity, transforming personal stories into a universal artistic language. International contemporary art competitions provide a space where creative ideas can move beyond the studio and become part of an international cultural dialogue.
Münzenberg Forum Art Competition is an annual international competition organized by Münzenberg Forum Berlin. In 2026, it marks the 90th anniversary of the beginning of the Spanish Civil War and is inspired by the words of the Spanish writer, anarchist, and feminist Lucía Sánchez Saornil: “But… has hope really died?” Artists are invited to explore the themes of memory, resistance, democracy, and hope, reinterpreting them through the language of contemporary art and their own artistic practice.
What the winners receive
In each of the three competition categories, the jury awards cash prizes with a total value of up to €5,000, distributed among the strongest submissions. Winners will also have the opportunity to present their work at the final exhibition in Berlin, taking place from 16 October to 30 November 2026. Selected works will be featured on the official website and social media channels of Münzenberg Forum Berlin, introducing the artists to a broad international audience.
Who can apply
The competition is open to artists, photographers, and filmmakers from any country who will be under the age of 40 on 1 April 2026. Applications are accepted in one of three categories:
— Photography;
— Film;
— Collage.
Across all categories, the jury evaluates not only artistic quality but also the ability of each work to interpret the competition theme through an original artistic statement and a contemporary perspective on social issues.
Application requirements
To apply, participants should prepare:
— a completed online application form;
— a CV outlining their artistic background;
— a one-page description of the proposed work;
— submissions that meet the requirements of the selected category: up to three individual photographs or a series of up to eight images, one film of up to 30 minutes, or up to three collages or a series of up to five works;
— if applicable, a link to a personal website or portfolio.
Important information
All submitted works must be original and created by the applicant. The organizers reserve the right to use submitted materials for the exhibition, publications, the official website, and social media, with full credit given to the artist. After the results are announced, winners may be asked to provide the original artworks or high-quality reproductions for the final exhibition in Berlin. By submitting an application, participants confirm that they hold all necessary copyright to the works they submit.
Why consider Münzenberg Forum Art Competition
This competition invites artists not only to present completed works but also to engage in an ongoing conversation about historical events that continue to resonate today. The historical theme serves as a starting point for reflections on freedom, human rights, memory, and the future. For emerging artists, it is an opportunity to present their work to an international professional jury, exhibit in Berlin, and take another important step in developing their artistic practice within the European cultural landscape.
Application deadline — 6 August 2026.
The award ceremony will take place on 16 October 2026, after which the winning works will be exhibited in Berlin until 30 November 2026.
