Applicants must:

• Be a resident and citizen of Ghana or Nigeria

• Be 25 years or older

• Have 3 to 7 years of active visual art practice

• Work in a visual medium, which may include painting, sculpture, photography, or installation

We welcome artists who are self-taught, academically trained, or community-based. The prize is open to both emerging and mid-career voices ready for growth, experimentation, and exposure.

Prizes:

• Grand Prize: $5,000 + 3-month residency in Benin Edo State + mentorship

• First Runner-Up: $2,500

• Second Runner-Up: $1,000

Finalists:

• Inclusion in a group exhibition in Lagos

• Artist talks, media coverage, and gallery support

• Mentorship and visibility over a 12-month period

All longlisted artists (12–15 total) will also participate in a virtual development bootcamp designed to strengthen their practice, networks, and public presence.

The application is accessed by clicking the button below. It is divided into four sections:

• Section 1: Basic Info
  Tell us who you are — your name, age (must be 25+), nationality, contact details, and optional links to your portfolio or social media.

• Section 2: Your Practice
  Share a short bio, describe your medium and artistic focus, and tell us what drives your work. You’ll also upload your CV (max 2 pages) and 5–10 images of your recent work.

• Section 3: Prize Motivation
  In two short paragraphs, tell us why you’re applying and how this opportunity will support your artistic journey.

• Section 4: Exhibition & Nomination
  Confirm your availability for the June 2026 group show. Optionally, describe work you’d propose to exhibit and include a nominator (curator, gallerist, or collector) if you have one.

Each application is reviewed by a jury of artists, curators, and collectors using three criteria: conceptual strength, technical execution, and growth potential.

Judges look for artists whose work is thoughtful and can meaningfully benefit from the prize’s developmental program. The process is designed to identify not just current talent, but also promise.

Applications Open: August 1, 2025

Deadline to Apply: August 31, 2025

Longlist Announced: October 3rd, 2025

Virtual Artist Development Program: January 2026

Finalists Announced: March 2026

Exhibition & Award Ceremony: June 13-14

Residency: Last quarter of 2026

• Can I apply if I’ve already had a solo show?
  Yes, the prize welcomes both emerging and mid-career artists.

• Can I apply again next year if I’m not selected?
  Absolutely. We encourage re-application.

• Is there an application fee?
  No. There is no fee to apply.

• When is the next application cycle?

  The program runs every other year. Applications will reopen in 2027.