Organizer Information
The K11 Art Foundation (KAF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting contemporary art and fostering cultural exchange. Through international collaborations, exhibitions, and professional development initiatives, the foundation connects emerging artists with curators, institutions, and cultural practitioners worldwide. Its Artist Prize is part of a broader initiative to strengthen the international visibility of contemporary Asian art.
The foundation’s International Council, inaugurated in September 2023 by Dr. Adrian Cheng, supports initiatives designed to advance contemporary Asian artistic practices. The 2026 edition is chaired by Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, President of Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, with Alia Al-Senussi serving as Founding Chairperson Emerita.
Title & Description
K11 Art Foundation Artist Prize 2026 — Open Call for Emerging Asian Artists
The K11 Art Foundation (KAF) Artist Prize 2026 invites emerging Asian artists and artist collectives to apply for an award designed to expand their international visibility and professional opportunities. Following an inaugural edition that attracted more than 1,000 applications from over 50 geographical regions, the second edition continues the foundation’s commitment to identifying and supporting distinctive contemporary artistic practices.
The prize recognizes artists whose work demonstrates originality, critical depth, and contemporary relevance. Applicants should present a portfolio and project proposal that engage meaningfully with the artistic focus of the 2026–2027 prize.
The selected artist will receive tailored opportunities to develop their practice, engage with international cultural institutions, and present their work to wider audiences. Applications are welcome across disciplines, media, and forms of contemporary art.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Contemporary Art
- Digital Art and New Media
- Photography
- Video and Moving Image
- Installation Art
- Sculpture
- Painting and Drawing
- Performance Art
- Interdisciplinary and Experimental Art
- Other Contemporary Artistic Practices
Eligibility
The open call is intended for individual artists and artist collectives who meet the following criteria:
- Regional or cultural background: Applicants must be from Asia or identify as being of Asian heritage.
- Geographical location: Artists may apply regardless of their current country of residence.
- Career stage: Applicants should be emerging artists, typically with approximately five to ten years of active contemporary art practice.
- Artistic discipline: Applications are accepted across all disciplines, media, and forms of contemporary artistic practice.
- Portfolio and proposal: Submissions must demonstrate a meaningful connection to the artistic focus of the 2026–2027 prize.
Artists should ensure that their application clearly communicates their artistic approach, professional development, and proposed direction.
Program Benefits & Awards
The selected artist will receive a tailored package of professional and institutional opportunities across 2026–2027, including:
- Exhibition or presentation opportunity: Inclusion in a major K11 Art Foundation exhibition, commission, or flagship public programme.
- Residency opportunity: Participation in a three- to four-week residency developed in collaboration with a leading cultural institution. The location, format, and schedule will be determined in consultation with the recipient and partner institution.
- Mentorship and professional development: Curatorial guidance, critical dialogue, and professional development sessions with artists, curators, and institutional leaders.
- International networking: Opportunities to establish professional relationships with cultural practitioners and institutions within KAF’s international network.
The prize’s inaugural recipient, Xin Liu, benefited from international curatorial connections, residencies at Somerset House and the Delfina Foundation, and a first solo exhibition in Turin, Italy, presented in partnership with Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo.
No specific cash award, travel allowance, or accommodation provision is stated in the supplied announcement.
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Send the complete application to KAFprize@kaf-arts.com.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 15 November 2026
- Award and opportunity period: 2026–2027
- Residency duration: Three to four weeks.
- Notification date: Not specified in the announcement.
- Exhibition or presentation dates: To be announced by the organizer.
Applicants should consult the official website for updates regarding the selection process and subsequent programme schedule.
Location
Hong Kong
Additional Details
The prize is overseen by the K11 Art Foundation International Council, chaired by Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo. Council members include Sarah Arison, A4 Arts Foundation, Basma Al Sulaiman, Eugenio Re Rebaudengo, and Olga Re Rebaudengo. Guest jurors Li Hanwei and Miao Zijin, both inaugural KAF Curator Prize laureates, will contribute to the evaluation process. Animoca Brands and LG Electronics are participating as research contributors for the 2026 edition, bringing expertise in digital innovation.
The prize emphasizes international exposure, institutional collaboration, and sustained professional development rather than a stated cash award. Artists should submit a compelling portfolio and proposal that communicate the originality, relevance, and potential development of their practice.
Applicants should verify any additional submission specifications directly with KAF before sending their materials.