Organizer Information
BARON Books is an independent art and photography book publisher founded in 2011 with an international focus on projects exploring gender, sex, sexuality, and identity. Over the years, BARON has published widely distributed books and monographs whose works are held in notable collections, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City and the LUMA Foundation. BARON’s Awards, including the BARON PRIZE, reflect the publisher’s ongoing commitment to elevating art that interrogates complex social themes and supports creators working at the intersection of contemporary culture and critical inquiry.
Title & Description
BARON PRIZE
The BARON PRIZE is a biannual
Award/Prize that recognises outstanding contributions in contemporary Art, Photography, and Film that investigate and respond to themes surrounding gender, sex, sexuality, and identity.
Open to creators from anywhere in the world working in any medium, the prize celebrates conceptual strength and reflective practice across visual and moving-image arts. Submissions can be new or existing works (including archival or unpublished pieces) and must engage critically with the prize’s thematic focus.
Categories
The BARON PRIZE welcomes works from a broad range of creative fields, including:
- Visual Arts (painting, photography, graphics, mixed media)
- Photography
- Film and moving image
- Multimedia and cross-disciplinary practice
- Conceptual and identity-based projects that confront social themes related to gender and sexuality
Eligibility
- Open to artists, photographers, and filmmakers of any nationality.
- Applicants must be aged 18 years or older at the time of submission.
- Works may be in any medium but should conceptually align with themes of gender, sex, sexuality, and identity.
- Submissions may be new or existing work, published or unpublished.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Cash Prize: £5,000 awarded to the winner of the BARON PRIZE.
- Books & Merchandise: A selection of BARON Books valued at approximately £1,000 will be given to the winner.
- Recognition by a transnational jury of prominent art professionals, photographers, and curators.
- Inclusion in BARON’s network of contemporary artists and visibility through BARON’s global distribution channels.
- Winners join a lineage of past honourees whose work spans impactful contemporary practices in art and visual culture.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Applicants must typically submit:
- A single work (not a series), which may be:
- A JPEG file for still work
- A film link (max 5 minutes) for moving image work
- Photos or scans (or video) for 3D or installation work
- An Artist Statement (max 250 words) explaining the work’s meaning and relevance to the award themes
- An Artist Bio (max 250 words) outlining practice, background, and relevant experience
(Note: For the most current requirements, consult the official entry form on the BARON site.)
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 28 February 2026
- Winner Announcement: Expected March 2026
Location
Online / Global
Additional Details
- The BARON PRIZE celebrates work with conceptual depth and a critical approach to its thematic focus.
- Artists retain full copyright to their work; BARON requires no transfer of ownership but may use winning works for prize-related promotion with permission.
- The prize’s judging panel typically includes renowned voices in art, photography, editorial, and creative practice, offering significant visibility for winners.
