The 19th Prisma Art Prize is an international contemporary art competition based in Rome and organised by Il Varco, dedicated specifically to painting and traditional two-dimensional visual art. Recognised as one of the leading global painting competitions, the Prisma Art Prize provides a professional platform for emerging and established artists working in painting, drawing, illustration, and engraving. Its mission is to celebrate the enduring relevance and innovation of painting while encouraging artists to explore personal, conceptual, and experimental approaches within contemporary art practice. By focusing on two-dimensional media, the prize preserves and promotes the cultural importance of painting while supporting its evolution in the modern art world.
Open to artists worldwide, the Prisma Art Prize attracts international talent and offers participants valuable visibility through a structured quarterly selection process. Each edition is divided into multiple rounds, where a jury of respected art professionals (including curators, gallery directors, critics, and artists) carefully evaluates submissions based on originality, technical quality, and artistic vision. Selected artists are featured in online exhibitions, interviews, and promotional campaigns, helping them build credibility and expand their professional presence. The competition culminates in a final exhibition in Rome, giving finalists the opportunity to present their work in a physical gallery setting and connect directly with curators, collectors, and art industry professionals.
Beyond the competition itself, the Prisma Art Prize serves as a career-development opportunity for painters and visual artists seeking international recognition, gallery representation, and exhibition opportunities. Participants benefit from exposure through curated exhibitions, official catalogues, press features, and partnerships with contemporary art galleries and residency programs. The prize is designed not only to reward artistic excellence but also to foster long-term professional growth by integrating artists into the global contemporary art network. Through its combination of financial awards, exhibitions, and professional promotion, the Prisma Art Prize strengthens the visibility and future prospects of painters and two-dimensional artists in today’s competitive international art scene.
Entry fee: €34 for 1–3 artworks, with additional works up to 8 total allowed at €5 each.
Eligibility
Open worldwide to all living artists without restrictions on age, nationality, or background, submitting painting, drawing, or engraving works in any size or medium.
Prize
Each quarterly winner receives a €500 cash prize, contributing to a total annual cash award of €2000, and finalists gain extensive professional exposure through inclusion in a group exhibition in Rome at Contemporary Cluster, publication in the official catalogue, and eligibility for additional awards such as artist residencies in Tunisia and Italy, solo exhibitions organised by partner galleries including Isorrophia Gallery and Pallavicini-Dettori Home Gallery, interviews, and other partner opportunities. These prizes aim to support artists’ careers by providing exhibition exposure, critical recognition, and international networking opportunities.
