Organizer Information
The City of Dresden (Landeshauptstadt Dresden), through its Office for Culture and Monument Protection (Amt für Kultur und Denkmalschutz), organizes the Art Prize of the State Capital Dresden. Dresden is a major cultural center in Germany, with a long-standing tradition in visual arts, music, literature, theatre, dance, and contemporary cultural production.
The award recognizes outstanding artistic achievements and contributions to the city's cultural life. Its historical predecessor, the Martin Andersen-Nexö Art Prize, was awarded between 1959 and 1990. The current art prize continues the city's commitment to recognizing established artistic achievements and supporting the professional development of regional cultural practitioners.
Title & Description
Art Prize of the State Capital Dresden 2027 (Kunstpreis der Landeshauptstadt Dresden)
The Art Prize of the State Capital Dresden honors outstanding individuals, artistic ensembles, and institutions whose work significantly enriches Dresden's artistic identity and cultural landscape. The award recognizes established artistic achievements across disciplines rather than focusing on a single medium or annual competition theme.
For 2027, the City of Dresden is inviting nominations for the main Art Prize and associated Promotion Awards (Förderpreise). The main award recognizes exceptional artistic or cultural contributions, while the Promotion Awards support the continued professional development of artists and cultural practitioners who have already gained regional recognition.
Important: This is a nomination-based award, not a conventional open call for artists to submit their own portfolios. Eligible individuals and organizations may nominate candidates for consideration by the selection jury.
Categories
The award is not restricted to one artistic discipline. Eligible fields may include:
- Visual Arts
- Performing Arts, including Theatre and Dance
- Music and Composition
- Literature and Writing
- Film and Media Arts
- Interdisciplinary Art and Cultural Initiatives
- Artistic Ensembles and Cultural Institutions
The final assessment considers the significance of the nominee's artistic achievements and their contribution to Dresden's cultural life.
Eligibility
The award is intended for artists, artistic ensembles, cultural practitioners, and eligible institutions with a substantial connection to Dresden.
Candidates should meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Have a significant focus of their artistic work in Dresden.
- Have an artistic or cultural body of work of particular importance to the city.
- Demonstrate outstanding artistic achievements that contribute to Dresden's cultural profile.
The nomination process is not limited to individual artists; ensembles and institutions may also be considered.
Who can nominate? For the 2027 awards, individuals, associations, cultural organizations, and institutions can submit nominations. Artists should arrange for an eligible nominator to put their work forward rather than assuming they can apply directly.
Program Benefits & Awards
The 2027 program includes the following financial awards:
- Main Art Prize: €10,000, recognizing outstanding artistic and cultural achievements.
- Promotion Awards: Up to two awards of €5,000 each, intended to support professional development.
- Arras Foundation support: An additional €2,500 work scholarship for each Promotion Award recipient, according to the announced partnership.
The awards provide financial recognition, professional visibility, and acknowledgment from a municipal cultural institution. The prize money is awarded subject to the official regulations and the jury's decision.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Nomination Deadline: 31 October 2026.
Location
Dresden, Saxony, Germany
Additional Details
An independent jury evaluates nominations, with participation from municipal representatives and cultural-sector experts. Selection is based on the artistic significance and cultural contribution of the nominees.
The award is particularly relevant to established artists and cultural practitioners whose work has a meaningful relationship with Dresden. International artists should verify their eligibility against the local connection requirements before arranging a nomination.