Deadline: April 28, 2026
The COAL Prize 2026 invites artists from around the world to submit creative projects engaging with this year’s theme — Night. The prize aims to recognise and support artistic practices that address the most pressing ecological issues of our time through innovative and impactful art.
About the COAL Prize 2026
Established to bridge art and environmental awareness, the COAL Prize 2026 focuses on the theme of night — exploring it as a shared natural and cultural space. Artists are encouraged to reflect on night as a common good, a symbol of ecological rhythm, and a domain of rest, dream, and imagination. This edition calls for works that reimagine our relationship with darkness, biodiversity, and the fragile equilibrium between human activity and natural cycles.
Prizes and Benefits
The COAL Prize 2026 offers several awards and residencies to support artists and bring their environmental projects to life:
- Main COAL Prize: €12,000 cash award plus an artistic residency at the Domaine de Belval, supported by the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature and the Domaine de Belval teams.
- Special Jury Prize: €3,000 cash award.
- Ateliers Médicis Mention: A creative residency in Clichy-sous-Bois/Montfermeil, offering artistic development and collaboration opportunities.
- Centre Wallonie-Bruxelles/Paris Mention: €2,000 and an invitation to exhibit at Centre Wallonie-Bruxelles/Paris.
These prizes aim to nurture artistic expression while deepening environmental reflection and public engagement.
Eligibility Criteria
The competition is open to artists of all nationalities and disciplines. Submissions will be judged on the following criteria:
- Artistic quality and originality.
- Relevance to the 2026 theme “Night”.
- Social and participatory engagement.
- Consideration of ecological design principles.
- Feasibility and practical implementation.
- Connection to environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
Both new projects and works in progress are eligible for submission.
How to Apply
To apply for the COAL Prize 2026, candidates must compile their application as a single PDF file (maximum 30 MB) including:
- The application form (available via the official COAL submission portal).
- A detailed project description outlining the artistic concept, environmental relevance, technical approach, and estimated budget.
- At least two high-resolution images (HD visuals) representing the project.
- A curriculum vitae and artistic portfolio showcasing previous works and exhibitions.
Applications must be submitted via the COAL online platform by 28 April 2026 at 23:59 (UTC).
Key Dates
- Application deadline: 28 April 2026 at 23:59 (UTC).
- Theme: Night.
- Open to: Artists worldwide.
- Award ceremony: Details to be announced following selection.
Why Apply for the COAL Prize 2026?
Winning the COAL Prize 2026 not only offers financial and residency support but also international visibility within the eco-art community. It provides artists with the opportunity to advance creative ecological discourse and contribute meaningfully to the global conversation on sustainability, biodiversity, and the human-nature relationship.
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