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The Meridian Award — Cycle II

Submit a portfolio of contemporary artwork in any medium for juried review to compete for a $1,000 cash prize and international recognition.

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Deadline: 31 days left
Entry fee: Free
Award: $1,000
Location: New York City, United States
Applicants notified: Nov 15, 2026

About

Overview

The Meridian Award is an independently founded international contemporary art award established in New York City. Now in its second cycle, it supports independent, self-directed contemporary practices and welcomes submissions from artists worldwide. The award grants a $1,000 unrestricted cash prize to one contemporary artist working in any medium, selected through an open call and juried review process.

Key Dates

Early bird application deadline: August 5, 2026
Final application deadline: October 15, 2026
Winner and finalists announced: mid-November 2026

Eligibility

Open to all artists aged 18 and over with no restrictions based on nationality, location, education, or professional status. Collaborative teams may apply, provided they submit one application and one shared portfolio. Short films and feature-length films are not eligible.

Fees

Early bird application: $15
Standard application: $25

Awards & Benefits

Winner: $1,000 unrestricted cash prize (usable for studio time, materials, research, personal sustainability, etc.)
Winner and 2 finalists: featured online interview published on Meridian Award website and Instagram (@meridianaward)
Finalists recognized through publication and promotion but do not receive cash prize

How to Apply

Submit an online application with your portfolio. Jurors are invited professionals working in contemporary art whose identities are not publicly disclosed. All jury decisions are final and not subject to appeal. No individual feedback is provided on applications.

Important Notes

Artists retain full copyright to all submitted work. Winner and finalists grant the Meridian Award permission to reproduce submitted images for promotional purposes (website, interviews, digital materials) only. The award offers international visibility through featured artist interviews and promotion across its website and Instagram. Winner will be notified via official email address ending in meridianaward.com only.

Media accepted

digitaldrawingfiberillustrationlandscapepaintingphotographyprintmakingsculpturevideo

Award: $1,000 unrestricted cash prize to winner; winner and 2 finalists receive featured online interview and promotion
Entry fee: Early bird application: $15 (by August 5, 2026); Standard application: $25
Eligibility: Open to artists aged 18 and over; no restrictions based on nationality, location, education, or professional status; collaborative teams may apply.
Audience: All artists aged 18 and over; open to all nationalities and professional levels

Every listing links to the organizer's official page. Always confirm deadlines, fees, and entry rules there before you apply.