Organizer Information
The Burlington Contemporary Art Writing Prize is presented by Burlington Contemporary, the critically acclaimed online journal published by The Burlington Magazine—one of the world’s oldest and most respected art history publications (est. 1903). Burlington Contemporary focuses on the most urgent, innovative, and boundary-pushing developments in international contemporary art. The annual prize, now in its sixth edition, was created to discover and champion bold new voices in art criticism, offering emerging writers a high-profile platform and significant financial support. Judged by leading figures in the field (past judges include Penelope Curtis, Hans Ulrich Obrist, and Ali Smith), the prize reflects a commitment to rigorous, original, and accessible writing that shapes how contemporary art is understood and discussed globally.
Title & Description
Burlington Contemporary Art Writing Prize 2026
An international open call for unpublished critical essays on contemporary art created after 2000. The prize seeks sharp, thought-provoking texts (1,000–2,000 words) that engage deeply with living artists or recent exhibitions, performances, or projects. Writers are encouraged to take risks, challenge established narratives, and bring fresh perspectives to today’s most pressing artistic conversations—whether addressing overlooked figures, new technologies, socio-political contexts, or experimental practices. The winning essay is published on Burlington Contemporary and receives extensive promotion across the journal’s global readership of curators, collectors, academics, and artists.
Categories
Art Criticism / Art Writing (non-fiction essays on contemporary visual art made since 2000).
Eligibility
Open worldwide to writers of any age who have not yet published a full-length book of non-fiction or art criticism. Applicants may have contributed to magazines, journals, or catalogues, but must be considered “emerging” in the field of long-form art writing. There are no nationality, residency, or degree requirements.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Winner: £1,000 cash prize + publication on Burlington Contemporary + year-long digital subscription to The Burlington Magazine
- Two runners-up: £500 each + publication on the website + digital subscription
All shortlisted writers receive significant international exposure to a highly influential audience and are often invited to contribute future articles.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- One original, unpublished essay of 1,000–2,000 words (excluding footnotes) in English
- The essay must focus on contemporary art made or exhibited after 1 January 2000
- Up to 5 low-resolution images with full captions and copyright information
- Short biography (max 150 words)
- Contact details
How to Apply?
The submitted review must be written in English and emailed as a Word document (please do not send a PDF) together with a completed submission form to: burlingtoncontemporary@burlington.org.uk.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 17 February 2026
- Shortlist announced: May 2026
- Winner and runners-up announced and published: June 2026
Location
Online
Additional Details
Essays are judged anonymously, so do not include your name on the manuscript itself. The 2025 winner was Grace Storey; past winners and runners-up include writers now regularly published in Frieze, Artforum, and Apollo. This is one of the most prestigious launchpads for emerging art critics worldwide. Late or previously published submissions are not accepted. Writers may submit only one essay per year.