Organizer Information
Wolubilis is a cultural centre located in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Brussels (Belgium), which hosts exhibitions, performances and supports contemporary artistic creation. The exhibition space of the centre, La Médiatine — located at Allée Pierre Levie 1 (1200 Bruxelles) — serves as the main venue for showcasing works selected through the Prix Médiatine.
The prize aims to support emerging visual artists and give them visibility on the Belgian contemporary art scene.
Title & Description
Prix Médiatine 2026 — Open Call for Emerging Visual Artists
The Prix Médiatine is an annual competition and exhibition opportunity for young visual artists (individuals) residing in Belgium (or having residency in Belgium for at least a year). All visual art disciplines are welcome. The competition serves as a “laboratory of plastic research” — a chance for emerging Belgian artists (or residents) to present their practice, gain exposure, and possibly win one of several awards. Selected works will be exhibited at La Médiatine (Wolubilis) in Brussels. In addition to the main prize, there are several partner prizes (such as prizes awarded by public/regional institutions), allowing for multiple awardees.
The aim is to highlight and promote new generation artists on the Belgian art scene, across media — painting, drawing, photography, installation, video, sculpture, mixed media, etc. The competition and resulting exhibition provide not only financial reward, but also professional visibility and networking opportunities.
Categories
- Visual Art / Contemporary Art
- Painting, Drawing, Photography, Sculpture, Installation, Video Art, Mixed Media, and other plastic arts.
Eligibility
- Artists aged 18 to 40 years old.
- Artists Belgian nationals or residing in Belgium for at least one year.
- Individual artists only (collectives generally not eligible — the competition is aimed at “jeunes artistes plasticiens / plastic artists”).
- All visual art techniques are accepted; there is no strict restriction on medium, as long as it belongs to the plastic/visual arts spectrum.
Program Benefits & Awards
- The main prize — Prix Médiatine — carries €3,500.
- There are additional prizes awarded by various partners, including the “Prix de la Commission communautaire française” valued at €2,500.
- Selected (laureate and other awarded) works will be exhibited at La Médiatine.
- The exhibition gives visibility to emerging artists, offering exposure to a broader public as well as to institutions, curators, and art professionals — a professional and networking opportunity beyond just a prize.
- Inclusion in a group exhibition catalogue/catalogue is also part of the support for selected and awarded artists (as the competition is described historically as including publication of a catalogue).
Application Fee
- The 2026 call’s summary page does not mention any application fee.
- (Historically, older regulations for Prix Médiatine mention a 10€ registration fee in earlier editions — but this seems not to apply (or is not specified) in the current 2026 call.
Application Requirements
According to the competition’s general rules (and past editions):
- Portfolio of recent works (visual documentation: images, photos, or for video works — video link or video file).
- Artist CV / short biography (education, exhibitions, contact details).
- Artistic statement or presentation of practice/work — description of the body of work submitted.
- Contact information, proof of residency or status in Belgium (especially if not Belgian national) may be requested. (Because eligibility requires Belgian nationality or residency of≥ 1 year).
- For selected works (if accepted), the artist may need to deliver the original works (or produce/prepare the works for exhibition) — depending on medium, within the time frame fixed by the organisers.
How to Apply
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 15 December 2025
Location
Bruxelles, Belgium
Additional Details
- The Prix Médiatine is described as a “laboratory of plastic research” — meaning it is open to a wide variety of practices and encourages experimentation rather than adherence to a strict style or medium.
- Multiple prizes exist beyond the main award — partner prizes (COCOF, regional or institutional) — which increase chances of being recognised among finalists.
- Selected artists’ works and those of finalists are exhibited together, giving exposure not only to winners but a broader group of emerging artists.
- Publication of a catalogue (or at least documentation) seems to be part of the prize structure, giving lasting visibility for participants.
- Because the call is annual and competitive, preparing a strong portfolio and clear artistic statement is essential.