FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
​
When is the application deadline?
The first award cycle closes at 11:59 PM (EST) on June 30, 2026.
When will the winner be announced?
The winner will be announced in mid-August 2026.
Juror Information
Jurors are invited professionals working in contemporary art. To protect the independence and privacy of the jurors, their identities are not publicly disclosed at this time.
Selection Process
All decisions by the jury are final and not subject to appeal
Application Platform
All applications must be submitted through SlideRoom, there is no anonymity requirement.
Do you accept nominations?
No. Applications must be submitted directly by the artist through the official application platform.
We do not accept nominations from artists, institutions, or curators.
Is the prize open to international artists?
Yes. The Meridian Award is a global art award open to artists worldwide.
How much is the prize?
One artist will receive an unrestricted cash award of $1,000 USD to support their contemporary art practice.
Are collaborative teams eligible?
Yes. Collaborative teams may apply, provided they submit one application and one shared portfolio.
Is there an application fee?
There is a non-refundable $25 application fee, which helps offset the costs of administering the award platform and allows us to continue supporting and promoting a broad range of artistic practices.
Do artists retain copyright to submitted work?
Yes. Artists retain full copyright to all submitted works.
If selected as the award recipient or a finalist, artists grant the Meridian Award permission to reproduce submitted images solely for promotional purposes, including the award website, online interviews, and digital materials. No other usage rights are required.
Artists may opt in to be considered for social media features during the submission process.
How will the winner be announced?
The award recipient will be notified via the official email address ending with Meridianaward.com, and announced on the Meridian Award official website and Instagram account @meridianaward
We will not contact artists through direct messages, personal emails, or affiliated jurors.
If you receive correspondence claiming to be from the Meridian Award and wish to verify its legitimacy, please contact us through the form on our website.
Do you provide individual feedback on applications?
Due to the volume of submissions and limited resources, we are unable to provide individual feedback on applications.
Applicants are encouraged to submit strong documentation and a cohesive portfolio, and to follow submission guidelines carefully. Failure to meet submission requirements may result in disqualification.