Organizer Information
The Winckelmann-Gesellschaft is a German cultural and scholarly association based in Stendal. It is dedicated to the legacy and research of Johann Joachim Winckelmann, a foundational figure in classical archaeology and art history. Through its museum activities, publications, and awards, the organization actively supports both academic research and contemporary artistic practices that engage with antiquity and archaeological themes.
The society administers two major distinctions: the Winckelmann Medal, awarded for outstanding scholarly contributions to Winckelmann research, and the Wilhelm Höpfner Prize, which specifically supports emerging artists working in printmaking and drawing.
Title & Description
Wilhelm Höpfner Prize 2026 – Open Call
The Wilhelm Höpfner Prize 2026 is a prestigious award for young and emerging artists, organised by the Winckelmann Society. Established in 1984, the prize honours the legacy of German painter and graphic artist Wilhelm Höpfner (1899–1968) and is dedicated to supporting contemporary artistic practices that engage with themes of antiquity, archaeology, and classical heritage.
The prize is awarded exclusively to artists working in printmaking and, in some cases, drawing. It encourages applicants to explore historical narratives, ancient cultures, and archaeological aesthetics through contemporary visual language. The award aims to foster a dialogue between classical subject matter and modern artistic interpretation.
Selected works are presented in a curated group exhibition at the Winckelmann Museum in Stendal, accompanied by a publication (catalogue). The prize highlights the connection between research-based cultural heritage and contemporary Visual Arts production, positioning artistic practice as a form of interpretative scholarship.
The prize is awarded at the annual general meeting of the Winckelmann Society in December, based on recommendations from a specialised jury committee.
Categories
- Printmaking
- Drawing
- Contemporary Art
- Visual Arts
- Illustration (if related to print-based techniques)
- Research-based Art
Eligibility
- Open to international and German artists
- Applicants must be professionally active artists
- Age limit: under 40 years old
- Artists working in printmaking or drawing only
- Artistic works must engage with themes of:
- Antiquity
- Archaeology
- Classical heritage or related historical references
Program Benefits & Awards
- €2,000 Award/Prize for the selected winner
- Inclusion in a curated exhibition at the Winckelmann Museum
- Production of a small accompanying exhibition catalogue (Publication)
- Institutional visibility within a respected cultural and academic context
- Recognition by the Winckelmann Society and its jury committee
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Digital image files of artworks (no originals accepted)
- List of works including:
- Title
- Year of creation
- Technique
- Dimensions/format
- Curriculum vitae (CV), including year of birth
- Submission via email or WeTransfer
All submissions must clearly demonstrate professional artistic practice within Printmaking or Drawing.
How to Apply?
Applications must be sent via email to: schade@winckelmann-gesellschaft.com
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 10 May 2026
- Selection Process: Managed by the Wilhelm Höpfner Committee
- Award Announcement: December 2026 (during annual general meeting)
- Exhibition Period: December 2026 (accompanying the award ceremony)
Location
Stendal, Germany
Additional Details
- Only digital submissions are accepted; physical works are not reviewed
- Submitted materials are not returned and are not insured
- Jury decisions are final; no legal appeal is possible
- The prize emphasises engagement with classical heritage through contemporary Printmaking practices
- The exhibition is organized alongside the award ceremony, highlighting selected works in a curated institutional context
- The award is specifically designed for younger artists working at a professional level, supporting early-career visibility in the European art scene