Organizer Information:

Toolip Art Gallery. A dynamic platform that aims to elevate artists by providing international exposure, financial rewards, and valuable connections within the global art market.

Title & Description:

Applications are open for the Toolip Art Contest 2026 – Painting Edition.

This prestigious competition is dedicated exclusively to the art of painting. From all submissions, 30 outstanding artworks will be selected as finalists to be showcased in a grand exhibition at the Toolip Art Gallery in Vienna. The top three winners will be announced at the opening reception and awarded generous cash prizes.

Category:

Painting (Includes oil, acrylic, watercolor, digital painting, or mixed media).

Eligibility:

  • Who: Open to artists of all backgrounds from every country (emerging, established, or collectives). There are no age restrictions.
  • Medium: Submissions are strictly limited to paintings only.
  • Dimensions: The maximum dimensions for any submitted artwork are 200 cm (height) × 150 cm (width).
  • Availability: All submitted artworks must be available for the final exhibition, ready to hang, and explicitly for sale during the event.
  • Acquisition Clause (1st Prize): The €10,000 first-place prize represents both the award and the acquisition value of the artwork. By participating, artists agree that if they win 1st Place, the physical artwork becomes the full, permanent property of the Toolip Art Gallery.
  • Sales Commission: A 40% + VAT commission will be applied to any artwork sold during the exhibition (or within 3 months after it concludes).

Program Benefits & Awards:

  • 1st Place: €10,000 (See Acquisition Clause above).
  • 2nd Place: €5,000
  • 3rd Place: €3,000
  • Exhibition: The 30 finalists will be exhibited at the Toolip Art Gallery in Vienna from September 12 – October 13, 2026.
  • Publication: Finalists' works will be immortalized in the "Toolip Art Gallery" Collector's Edition Book, distributed to industry professionals and collectors.
  • Non-Finalist Exposure: All submitted artworks will be displayed online on the official website as "Artists in competition" until the end of the final exhibition.

Application Fee & Program Costs:

  • Entry Fees (Tiered): * 1 artwork: €60
    • 2 artworks: €90
    • 3 artworks: €120
    • 4 artworks: €150
    • 5 artworks: €160
    • 6 artworks: €180
  • Shipping & Insurance: Artists are fully responsible for the shipping costs, delivery, return, and insurance (for theft, loss, or damage) of their selected works for the exhibition.

Application Requirements:

  • Submission Portal: Registration must be done via the official website. (Note: Registrations cannot be modified after payment is submitted).
  • Image Formatting: Images must be uploaded in JPG or GIF format (Max 10 MB per file).
  • Required Info: Each submission must include a high-quality image, a detailed description, and the price of the artwork (including VAT).

How to Apply?

Complete the online registration form and submit your entry fee via the Toolip Art Gallery website.

Key Dates:

  • Application Deadline: July 31, 2026.
  • Announcement of 30 Finalists: August 14, 2026.
  • Physical Artwork Delivery Deadline: September 1, 2026.
  • Exhibition Dates & Winner Announcements: September 12 – October 13, 2026.

Location:

Toolip Art Gallery, Vienna, Austria.

Contact Information:

Inquiries Email: info@toolipartgallery.com

Website & Application Link: https://www.toolipartgallery.com/toolip-art-contest-2026