Organizer Information
Stift Klosterneuburg is one of Austria’s oldest and most historically significant religious and cultural institutions, founded in the 12th century by Margrave Leopold III (later canonized as Saint Leopold). Beyond its ecclesiastical role, the Abbey functions as a major cultural patron, housing extensive art collections and actively supporting contemporary artistic production through exhibitions, commissions, and awards.
The ST. LEOPOLD PEACE PRIZE, established in 2008, reflects the Abbey’s dual mission: fostering contemporary visual arts while promoting humanitarian engagement. The prize is rooted in the legacy of Saint Leopold’s governance, historically associated with a long period of peace in Austrian history, and is intended to connect spiritual, social, and cultural values through contemporary artistic practice.
Title & Description
ST. LEOPOLD PEACE PRIZE 2027 – “Or is there anyone among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?” (Matthew 7:9)
The ST. LEOPOLD PEACE PRIZE 2027 is an international contemporary art award dedicated to works that engage with humanitarian, socio-political, and ethical questions. The 2027 edition is framed by a biblical theme (Mt 7:9), inviting artists to critically reflect on questions of justice, care, deprivation, moral responsibility, and the contradictions between human need and societal response.
The prize focuses on visual art practices that not only demonstrate artistic excellence but also express a strong humanitarian commitment. Selected works are expected to address urgent social realities through painting, drawing/graphic art, photography, or sculpture.
A shortlist of nominated works will be included in the 2027 annual exhibition at the Abbey, and selected works will be presented in a historic exhibition setting. The prize culminates in an official award ceremony and public exhibition opening in spring 2027.
Categories
- Visual Arts (Painting, Drawing, Graphic Art)
- Photography
- Sculpture
- Mixed-media visual works (within physical constraints outlined below)
Eligibility
- Open internationally to artists of any nationality, political background, or religious belief
- Both individual artists and collectives may apply
- No specific age restrictions are stated
- Applicants must hold full rights to submitted works (original authorship required)
- Works must comply with physical, material, and safety requirements (durability, non-flammability, transportability, and size limitations: max 3 x 2 x 0.5 m and 100 kg)
- Works must align conceptually with the 2027 theme
Program Benefits & Awards
- Total prize value: €12,000 (also serves as acquisition budget for the winning artwork)
- The prize may be awarded as:
- Main Prize: €10,000–€12,000 (purchase of artwork by the Abbey)
- Up to two Recognition Prizes: €1,000 each (non-purchase awards)
- Winners receive a statuette
- Shortlisted works may be included in the 2027 annual exhibition at Klosterneuburg Abbey
- International exhibition exposure in a historically significant cultural institution
- Institutional acquisition of winning work (for the main prize recipient)
- Archival and long-term documentation in the Abbey’s collection and media channels
Application Fee
- €30 per submitted artwork
- Payment must be made via bank transfer prior to jury evaluation
- Bank details:
- Account: Chorherrenstift Klosterneuburg
- IBAN: AT51 3288 0000 0433 6970
- BIC: RLNWATW1880
- Reference: Peace Prize 2027
- Applications without payment will not be reviewed
Application Requirements
- Completed online application form
- 1–2 high-quality images of the artwork (.jpg format)
- Artwork details (title, materials, technique, dimensions, year, estimated value)
- Short explanatory statement describing concept and relevance to the theme
- Artist biography (short CV)
- Contact information (address, email, phone number, website if available)
- Proof of authorship and rights clearance (implicit legal declaration upon submission)
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Submission Opens: 1 July 2026
- Application Deadline: 30 September 2026
- Shortlist Announcement: Early November 2026 (approx. up to 30 works selected)
- Delivery of Original Works (nominated artists only): By February 2027
- Jury Final Decision: Late February 2027
- Award Ceremony & Exhibition Opening: End of April 2027
- Exhibition Duration: April 2027 – End of 2027
Location
Klosterneuburg, Austria
Additional Details
- Jury composition includes Abbey leadership, curators, a previous prize winner, and appointed experts from the art/media fields
- Jury holds the right to exclude works not aligned with the prize’s humanitarian or thematic framework
- Selected works must be physically deliverable and suitable for exhibition in historic protected spaces
- Transport and shipping costs (both directions) are the responsibility of artists
- Insurance coverage applies only within the defined institutional handling period (Nov 2026–Dec 2027, up to €12,000 per work)
- Artists grant extensive non-exclusive usage rights for documentation, exhibition promotion, and archival purposes
- Non-collected works may be returned, auctioned, or repurposed for charitable use after December 2027
- Participation implies full acceptance of legal and usage conditions, including image rights for PR and documentation