Organizer Information
Vagabond Art Club is an art association based in Paris, France, dedicated to supporting contemporary artists, promoting artistic discovery, and creating opportunities for emerging and established creators. Through exhibitions, cultural initiatives, and professional networking, Vagabond Art Club aims to make contemporary art more accessible while helping artists understand the realities of the art market.
The Prix Vagabond 2026 is organized by Vagabond Art Club in partnership with Galerie Gratadou, a Paris-based gallery located in the Marais district. The collaboration provides selected artists with a professional exhibition environment and visibility among collectors, art professionals, and the public.
Title & Description
Prix Vagabond 2026 – Contemporary Art Competition
Prix Vagabond 2026 is a contemporary art competition created to discover and highlight new artistic talents while offering artists a professional platform for exhibition and recognition. The competition invites artists to submit one original artwork responding to the theme “Et soudain” (“And suddenly”).
The initiative seeks to encourage artistic diversity, support emerging voices, and provide artists with insight into the professional art world. Selected works will be presented in a group exhibition at Galerie Gratadou, Paris, allowing artists to connect with audiences, collectors, and cultural professionals.
The competition evaluates artworks based on artistic originality, technical quality, curatorial coherence, and potential for critical and commercial recognition.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Contemporary Art
- Painting
- Sculpture
- Installation
- Mixed Media
- Photography
- Other contemporary artistic practices compatible with exhibition requirements
Eligibility
The competition is open to:
- Artists of all ages and experience levels
- Student artists
- Emerging artists
- Established artists
Applicants under the age of 18 must provide written authorization from their legal representative.
Important eligibility requirement:
Applicants must legally reside in France at the time of registration.
Artists cannot submit artworks that have already received a major prize in an equivalent competition, according to the jury’s evaluation.
Each artist may submit only one artwork.
Program Benefits & Awards
The selected winner receives the title of Prix Vagabond 2026 Laureate. The award does not include a monetary prize but provides professional recognition and increased visibility.
Benefits include:
- Exhibition at Galerie Gratadou, Paris (26–29 November 2026)
- Enhanced presentation in the exhibition catalogue
- Dedicated visibility through Vagabond Art Club and Galerie Gratadou communication channels
- Mention of the award in promotional materials related to the competition
- Editorial promotion through Vagabond Art Club platforms
Selected artists receive:
- Participation in the professional group exhibition at Galerie Gratadou
- Inclusion in the exhibition catalogue
- Promotion through Vagabond Art Club communication channels
- Opportunities to meet visitors, collectors, and art professionals
If an artwork is sold during the exhibition, the artist receives 50% of the public sale price.
Application Fee
- Early Bird Fee (until 13 July 2026): €15
- Standard Fee (from 14 July 2026): €30
- Vagabond Art Club Members: Free participation
Payment must be completed through the secure HelloAsso payment platform.
Application fees are non-refundable unless the competition is cancelled by the organizers.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Opening: 1 July 2026
- Early Bird Deadline: 13 July 2026
- Application Deadline: 15 October 2026 (midnight)
- Selection Jury: 28–31 October 2026
- Selected Artists & Winner Announcement: 31 October 2026
- Artwork Delivery Deadline: Before 22 November 2026
- Artist Documentation Deadline: Before 20 November 2026
- Vernissage: 26 November 2026, 18:00–21:00
- Exhibition Period: 26–29 November 2026
Location
12 rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris, France
Additional Details
Submitted artworks must meet specific technical requirements:
- Maximum size equivalent to IATA cabin luggage: 55 × 35 × 25 cm (including frame)
- Maximum weight: 10 kg
- Maximum sale price: €1,500 including taxes
- Artwork must be transportable and ready for exhibition
Artists are responsible for shipping costs and insurance during transportation to and from the gallery. Galerie Gratadou provides insurance coverage for exhibited works after receiving them.
Artists retain full copyright ownership of their works. By participating, artists authorize Vagabond Art Club and Galerie Gratadou to photograph, document, and promote selected artworks through catalogues, websites, social media, press coverage, and archival materials.