Michele Cea Prize 2026: Call for Young Contemporary Artists

Michele Cea Prize 2026: call for young artists

The Michele Cea Foundation ETS launches the 11th edition of the Michele Cea Prize for Young Artists 2026, aimed at emerging talents in contemporary art. Participation is free and open to works in painting, graphics, sculpture, photography and video art, with no mandatory theme.

Who can apply

The competition is open to artists resident in Italy or abroad aged between 18 and 40 years (to be reached by 31 December 2026). Applicants must follow the submission requirements set out in the official call.

How to apply and deadline

Applications must be submitted via the online registration form. The deadline to apply is 15 June 2026, by 24:00.

Selection, finalists and event

A shortlist of 12 finalists will be invited to the exhibition and vernissage scheduled for 12 September 2026 at the Ex Fornace Gola in Milan, where the winner will be announced.

Awards

• First prize: glass sculpture made by Germano Caiano on a Michele Cea work, cash prize of €4,500, a solo and/or group exhibition (date and venue to be defined), publication in Arte (Cairo Editore, October 2026), inclusion in the Catalogo dell'Arte Moderna 2027 (CAM 63), and donation of the winning artwork to the Foundation.
• Second prize: cash prize of €1,000 and inclusion in CAM 63.
• Third prize: cash prize of €500 and inclusion in CAM 63.

Additional benefits for finalists

The 12 finalists will also have the opportunity to digitize their work as an NFT free of charge through a collaboration with Hoken Tech.

How to participate

Interested artists must complete the online application form indicated in the official call. Check eligibility criteria and submission instructions before the 15 June 2026 deadline.

Event location: Ex Fornace Gola, Milan
Vernissage and winner announcement: 12 September 2026