The Meridian Award: $2,000 Unrestricted Cash Prize for Contemporary Artists

The Meridian Award is an independent international art award founded in New York City, dedicated to supporting contemporary artists working across all mediums. Open to artists worldwide, the award recognizes artistic practices that demonstrate originality, clarity, and a distinct voice within the contemporary art landscape.

Each cycle of the Meridian Award selects one winner and two finalists. The winner receives a $2,000 USD unrestricted cash prize, while each finalist receives $200 USD. All prizes are unrestricted and may be used at the artists’ discretion, whether toward studio expenses, materials, research, or personal sustainability.

Beyond financial support, all three selected artists will be invited to participate in individual interviews, published on the Meridian Award website and featured across its official social media platforms.

The Meridian Award was established to provide meaningful financial support, professional visibility, and recognition to artists demonstrating a serious and sustained commitment to their practice.

Requirements

Eligibility: The Meridian Award is open to all artists aged 18 and over.

Application Instructions

Applicants must submit the following through the official application form via www.meridianaward.com/apply:

Name and email
Instagram username (optional)
Website (optional)
Up to 5 total work samples (images and/or video links combined)
Artwork details for each submission: title, medium, size, and year
Artist statement (250 words max)
Biography (150 words max)