FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the application deadline?
Application deadline for Cycle II is October15, 2026.
When will the winner be announced?
The winner of the second cycle will be announced in mid-November 2026.
Do you offer application fee waivers?
At this time, the Meridian Award does not offer application fee waivers. We are committed to keeping our application fees as accessible as possible while supporting the administration, review process, and programming of the award.
To help make participation more affordable, we offer a discounted Early Bird application period each cycle. We encourage applicants to take advantage of this reduced rate whenever possible.
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.
Portfolio Preparation
We encourage applicants to submit high-quality images of their artwork with a clean, white background whenever possible. Well-lit, color-accurate photographs allow the jury to evaluate each work more clearly and ensure that your submission is presented in the best possible way.
Please avoid distracting backgrounds, excessive editing, or low-resolution images. Taking the time to prepare clear, professional documentation of your work can make a meaningful difference in how it is experienced during the review process.
Selection Process
All decisions by the jury are final and not subject to appeal.
Application Platform
All applications must be submitted through the official application form on MeridianAward.com. 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.
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.