Organizer Information
Vestischer Künstlerbund e.V. is an artists’ association based in Recklinghausen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The association organizes exhibitions and competitions for professionally working artists in the region. Its annual prize provides artists with an opportunity to present their work in a curated group exhibition and compete for a €1,500 award.
Title & Description
RITUAL Prize of the Vestischer Künstlerbund 2026
RITUAL – Prize of the Vestischer Künstlerbund 2026 invites professional artists living or working in North Rhine-Westphalia to engage with the theme “RITUAL.” Artists are free to interpret the theme through any artistic technique, medium, approach, or perspective.
The competition is open to a broad range of artistic practices. Up to three works or contributions may be submitted for consideration. Selected works will be presented in an exhibition at the Kutscherhaus Recklinghausen from 7 November to 6 December 2026. A main jury of external jurors will select one prizewinner from the artists included in the exhibition.
Categories
- Visual Art
- Painting
- Drawing
- Sculpture
- Installation
- Photography
- Video
- Mixed Media
- Other artistic techniques and interdisciplinary practices
All artistic techniques and approaches are permitted. Installations must be accompanied by an informative sketch, photograph, or description.
Eligibility
- Professional artists who live or work in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany
- No age limit
- International artists may apply if they meet the NRW residence or work-location requirement
- Applicants may submit a maximum of three works/contributions
Program Benefits & Awards
- €1,500 prize for one selected artist
- The prize is not divided among multiple artists
- Exhibition of selected works at Kutscherhaus Recklinghausen
- Works accepted for the exhibition are insured for the duration of the exhibition
- Documentation/catalogue presentation at the end of the exhibition
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted exclusively by email as a four-page PDF in DIN A4 landscape format to: info@vestischer-kuenstlerbund.de
Key Dates
- Application deadline: 11 October 2026
- Delivery of selected works: 1 November 2026, 12:00–17:00
- Exhibition: 7 November–6 December 2026
- Finissage & catalogue presentation: 6 December 2026, 15:00–17:00
- Work collection: 6 December 2026 from 17:00; alternatively 7–8 December by arrangement
Location
Recklinghausen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Additional Details
A preliminary jury consisting of the board and advisory board of the Vestischer Künstlerbund determines which submitted works are admitted to the exhibition. Applicants are notified of the decision by email, and the decision cannot be appealed.
A separate main jury, including external jurors, selects the prizewinner from the artists whose works have been accepted for the exhibition. The external jury members will be announced later on the organizer’s website.
Artists submitting installations should provide a meaningful sketch, photograph, or description. The organizer also provides an exhibition floor plan to help applicants assess the spatial requirements of their work.