Organizer Information
STRABAG ART (formerly STRABAG Kunstforum) is the cultural arm of STRABAG SE, one of Europe’s leading technology groups for construction services. Founded in the 1990s, the organisation serves as a bridge between the corporate and artistic worlds. Based in Vienna, Austria, STRABAG ART manages an extensive corporate collection presented across more than 75 international locations and operates the "STRABAG ART Site," a dedicated exhibition space. Since 1994, the group has supported young artistic talent through its annual art prize, which expanded to an international format in 2009. Their mission focuses on fostering emerging European painters and draftsmen, providing them with financial support, high-profile exhibition opportunities, and physical workspace through their studio residency program.
Title & Description
STRABAG Artaward International 2026
The STRABAG Artaward International 2026 is a prestigious Competition and promotional prize for contemporary art. Now in its 31st year, the award is dedicated to supporting artists under the age of 40 who specialise in the fields of painting and drawing. The program is designed to discover and elevate "unseen" talent, providing a professional platform within the contemporary art landscape. While the award is rooted in traditional media, the terms "painting" and "drawing" are freely reinterpreted to include diverse contemporary approaches. The award follows a three-year cycle for participating countries; for the 2024–2026 period, the focus is on strengthening cultural ties between Austria, Germany, and Slovenia. Winners receive substantial cash prizes, the opportunity to have their work acquired for a major corporate collection, and a solo exhibition in Vienna.
Categories
The competition is exclusively open to the following artistic disciplines:
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Painting (all styles and interpretations)
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Drawing (including graphic works and paper-based art)
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Mixed Media (provided the primary focus remains on painting or drawing)
Eligibility
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International/Regional: Open to artists from Austria, Germany, and Slovenia.
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Residency/Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of one of these three countries or have been permanently based there for at least two years.
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Special Inclusion: Ukrainian citizens currently residing in Austria, Germany, or Slovenia are also eligible to apply, regardless of their length of stay.
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Age Limit: Participants must be born in or after the year 1986 (under 40 years old). Parental leave can be taken into account for age extensions.
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Education: Applicants must have an academic artistic education (Art Academy, University, or College) or comparable professional experience in a museum or gallery environment.
Program Benefits & Awards
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Main Prize: One winner receives €16,000.
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Recognition Prizes: Four artists receive €8,000 each.
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Exhibition Opportunities: All five winners are featured in a collective Exhibition in Vienna, followed by individual solo exhibitions at the STRABAG ART Site starting in late 2026.
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Residency: Laureates are eligible to apply for a work Residency at the STRABAG ART Studios in Vienna.
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Acquisition: Artworks may be purchased by the organizer for the permanent STRABAG ART Collection.
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Publication: Winners and nominees are featured in a professional exhibition catalogue.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following materials via the online portal:
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Artwork Photos: High-resolution images (RGB, jpg) of three original works created between 2024 and 2026. (Max dimensions: 200 x 240 cm; Max weight: 15 kg).
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CV: A short artistic biography and list of previous exhibitions.
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Artist Statement: A brief text (Letter of Application) explaining the submitted artworks.
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Portrait Photo: For promotional use.
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Technical Details: Title, year, technique, dimensions, and insurance value for each work.
How to Apply?
Online ApplicationKey Dates
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Application Deadline: 26 January 2026
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Preliminary Jury Notification: 19 March 2026
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Original Work Submission: Mid-April 2026 (for nominees).
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Final Jury Session: Late April 2026.
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Award Ceremony: June 2026 (exact date TBD).
Location
STRABAG ART Site in Vienna, Austria
Additional Details
The jury consists of international experts, including museum directors and curators from the participating countries. Nominees are responsible for delivering their three original works to the regional STRABAG offices; however, STRABAG organizes the collective transport from those offices to Vienna for the final jury session. Works must be securely packed in bubble wrap or cardboard. Note that the organizer retains the right of first refusal to purchase the submitted artworks at the insurance value stated during application.