Organizer Information
The G & A Mamidakis Foundation is a cultural foundation based in Greece that supports contemporary art, artistic innovation, and cultural exchange. Building on more than three decades of efforts to encourage contemporary artistic leadership, the Foundation established its Art Prize in 2019 to support artists in creating ambitious, site-specific artworks that become part of its permanent art collection.
Through the Art Prize, the Foundation promotes the relationship between contemporary artistic practice, architecture, landscape, and the natural environment. The program offers selected artists an opportunity to develop a new artwork with institutional support, professional guidance, and public visibility. Winning works contribute to the Foundation's cultural legacy and remain accessible to audiences as part of its permanent collection.
Title & Description
Art Prize 2027 — G & A Mamidakis Foundation
The Art Prize 2027 invites Greek and international visual artists to propose an original, large-scale sculptural installation for permanent outdoor display at one of three designated sites associated with the G & A Mamidakis Foundation in Crete, Greece.
The selected proposal should function as a distinctive landmark while responding thoughtfully to the chosen site's physical characteristics, context, and surrounding environment. The Foundation welcomes innovative approaches that explore the relationship between art and nature and create engaging experiences for viewers.
Proposals will be evaluated on originality, conceptual clarity, site-specificity, and the coherence of the artistic vision. The selection committee will also consider the work's scale, integration into the landscape, technical and structural feasibility, public safety, sustainability, and long-term maintenance requirements. All proposals must concern new and original artworks and address one of the three sites identified in the official application materials.
The selected artist will develop and realize the winning proposal between February and May 2027. The completed artwork is scheduled to be unveiled to the public in June 2027 and will subsequently remain on permanent display as part of the Foundation's art collection.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Sculpture
- Installation Art
- Sound Installation
- Mixed Media
- Land Art
- Environmental Art
- Ecological Art
- Art and Nature
- Outdoor and Site-Specific Art
Eligibility
The Art Prize 2027 is open to Greek and international artists working in the eligible visual art disciplines. Applications from artistic duos are welcome.
Applicants must submit a proposal for a new, original artwork designed for one of the three sites specified by the Foundation. Artists should review the official Characteristics of the Proposed Sites document before choosing a location and developing their proposals.
Applications may be submitted in either Greek or English. The selected artist must be able to undertake responsibility for the realization of the proposed work and provide a legally valid invoice or receipt for the prize payment and production-related expenses.
Program Benefits & Awards
The selected artist or artistic duo will receive the following support:
- €15,000 prize: The award is paid in two installments: 30% upon acceptance of the award and assignment of the project, and the remaining 70% upon final delivery.
- Production and installation: The Foundation covers construction and installation expenses based on a mutually agreed budget.
- Transportation: Transportation and delivery of the artwork to Crete are covered when required.
- Travel and hospitality: One return ticket to Crete, accommodation, and meals are provided for the selected artist.
- Residency opportunity: The artist may stay at Minos Palace in Agios Nikolaos, Crete, for up to ten days to support research and project development.
- Professional guidance: The artist collaborates closely with the Foundation's Artistic Director and team, receiving assistance with materials, technical knowledge, and production.
- Exhibition and promotion: The Foundation organizes the public unveiling and supports press coverage, interviews, promotional materials, and exhibition publications.
- Long-term professional support: The Foundation may provide endorsement letters to help awarded artists pursue additional funding opportunities.
The winning artwork becomes part of the Foundation's permanent art collection.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 30 December 2026
- Finalist notification: By 15 February 2027
- Artwork development and production: February–May 2027
- Public unveiling: June 2027
Location
Crete, Greece
Additional Details
The selection committee includes visual artists, academic representatives, curators, and the Foundation's Artistic Director. A production budget will be requested at a later stage if the proposal is shortlisted as a finalist. Artistic duos should note that both the prize money and construction budget are shared between the two artists.