Organizer Information
COAL (Coalition for Art and Sustainable Development) is a Paris-based organization founded in 2010 with the mission of promoting ecological awareness and action through artistic and cultural practices. COAL connects artists, cultural institutions, and communities to address environmental and societal issues through innovative projects and collaborative networks. The organization’s activities include curating exhibitions, advising institutions, fostering European collaborations, organizing workshops, publishing research and educational materials, and supporting ecological creativity in contemporary arts. COAL emphasizes the transformative power of art in shaping public awareness and ecological responsibility, providing platforms that allow artists to engage critically and creatively with environmental issues. Its flagship initiative, the COAL Prize, has become a leading recognition for artists whose work engages directly with ecological concerns, bridging artistic innovation with sustainable practices.
Title & Description
COAL Prize 2026 – Call for Projects: “The Night”
The 2026 edition of the COAL Prize invites international artists to explore the theme of “The Night.” This theme is considered from multiple perspectives: as a shared natural resource, a critical period of rest, and an ecological element essential for life on Earth. Artists are encouraged to interrogate the night as a physical and symbolic space, reflecting on its role in human and non-human life, its cultural significance, and its ecological fragility. Projects can explore issues such as light pollution, nocturnal ecosystems, the perception of darkness, and the ways in which night shapes social, cultural, and natural rhythms. Submissions can take various forms, from visual and installation-based work to interdisciplinary approaches that merge art with science, pedagogy, and activism. The prize aims to amplify projects that are both conceptually innovative and ecologically grounded, promoting awareness of the night as a shared ecological and cultural good. The winning works will benefit from institutional visibility, public engagement, and professional development opportunities, reinforcing COAL’s commitment to supporting projects that combine artistic quality, ecological awareness, and social relevance.
Categories
Visual Arts, Installation, Interdisciplinary Art, Environmental Art, Ecology-focused Artistic Practice
Eligibility
The COAL Prize 2026 is open to professional artists of any nationality. Applicants must be over 18 years old and actively engaged in the creation of artistic projects aligned with the theme. Projects may be in the early development stage, ongoing, or fully conceptualized, but they must demonstrate a clear artistic vision and ecological relevance. The call encourages international participation and does not limit entries based on prior awards or recognition, making it accessible to emerging, mid-career, and established artists alike.
Program Benefits & Awards
- COAL Prize: €12,000 cash award to support the realization of the project, accompanied by a residency at Domaine de Belval. Artists will receive mentorship, guidance, and access to scientific and educational resources to integrate ecological and pedagogical dimensions into their work.
- Special Jury Prize: €3,000 cash award for an additional project of merit, recognizing innovation and ecological engagement.
- Ateliers Médicis Mention: Offers a residency opportunity in Clichy-sous-Bois/Montfermeil for selected projects, supporting community engagement and public interaction.
- Public Visibility: Selected projects gain exposure through exhibitions, COAL’s Transformative Territories platform, press coverage, and promotion by COAL’s network of partners. Artists benefit from professional recognition, networking, and opportunities for collaboration with ecological, educational, and cultural institutions.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- A detailed project description including artistic vision, technical approach, and budget estimate
- High-resolution visuals (at least two images) illustrating the project
- Curriculum Vitae
- Artistic portfolio demonstrating previous work and relevant experience
- All materials must be compiled into a single PDF file, with a maximum size of 30 MB, named following the format: SURNAME_First name_2026_Project title
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 28 April 2026
- Nominee Announcement: Summer 2026
- Winners Announcement & Award Ceremony: Autumn 2026, during the Sans Réserve event
Location
Paris, France
Additional Details
- Projects not selected for the prize may still be promoted by COAL for public awareness and educational purposes.
- Artists retain intellectual property rights but authorize COAL to reproduce project materials for communication and promotional purposes.
- Submissions are evaluated by a jury according to criteria including artistic quality, originality, ecological relevance, pedagogical value, social engagement, feasibility, and collaboration potential with conservation or ecological partners.
- Applicants are encouraged to consider ecological and sustainable practices in the realization of their projects.