International Call for Submissions: 2026 Foundwork Artist Prize

Antonia Kuo (2025 Honoree), Water Lilies, 2024. Unique photochemical paintings on silver gelatin paper, silver gelatin prints, powder coated aluminum, patinated cast bronze and ceramic relief in aluminum frame (9 panels). 54 x 82 1/2 x 4 in.

2026 Foundwork Artist Prize: International Open Call

Registration Deadline: September 25, 2026, 5pm PT

Foundwork is pleased to announce the international open call for the 2026 Foundwork Artist Prize, its annual juried award for contemporary artists working in any media.

This year’s honoree will receive an unrestricted 10,000 USD grant, studio visits with each of the five jurors, and a long-form interview as part of Foundwork’s Dialogues program.

In addition to the honoree, three artists will be named to the 2026 Short List and each will receive a 1,000 USD micro-grant.

Eugene Jung (2025 Short List), WOW (Waves of Wreckage), 2024. Broken temporary walls, malfunctioning drones, MDF plywoods, cement, stainless steel pipes, and other mixed materials. 196 x 314 x 393 in.

The 2026 jury brings together five leaders within the contemporary art community, based in Rotterdam, Los Angeles, Guatemala City, New York, and Berlin:

Stefan Benchoam, Artist and Co-Founder of Proyectos Ultravioleta and NuMu, Guatemala City / François Ghebaly, Founder of François Ghebaly Gallery, Los Angeles / Manuela Moscoso, Executive and Artistic Director of the Center for Art, Research and Alliances (CARA), New York / Gabi Ngcobo, Director of Kunstinstituut Melly, Rotterdam / Esther Schipper, Founder of Esther Schipper Gallery, Berlin.

Gozié Ojini (2025 Short List), Sound System 04, 2025 Roland SP404, Altered furniture, pots, glass, snare drum, tripods, speakers, subwoofer, transducer, amplifiers.

The Prize is open to artists residing anywhere in the world with limited exceptions. To be considered, artists will need to register and maintain a profile on the Foundwork platform, with at least six artworks and an artist statement published on their profile page, throughout the 2026 selection period: September 25, 2026, 5pm PT – December 31, 2026, 5pm PT.

Artists should see the FAQ and Prize Rules for instructions, terms and conditions. If you have other questions, please email support@foundwork.art. Visit here to register.

Umico Niwa (2025 Short List), Architectural Memory Series: Opium Dendrite, 2025. Foraged organic matter, electroplated copper. 8 x 10 x 6 in.

About Foundwork

Foundwork is a Los Angeles-based 501(c)3 charitable organization whose mission is to support access and recognition for contemporary artists worldwide. Foundwork provides a focused online platform for artists to introduce their work to curators, gallerists, and other collaborators across the global contemporary art community. The organization also hosts ongoing programming, including the Foundwork Artist Prize, to foster interest and engagement for participating artists.

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