About
The Meridian Award is an independent international award granting a $1,000 unrestricted cash prize to one contemporary artist working in any medium. Founded independently in New York City, the award supports independent, self-directed contemporary practices and welcomes submissions from artists worldwide. The $1,000 prize is fully unrestricted, allowing the selected artist to use the funds for studio time, materials, research, or personal sustainability. Beyond financial support, the award offers international visibility through a featured artist interview and dedicated promotion across the Meridian Award platform. Each award cycle recognizes one winner and two finalists. All three selected artists will be featured through an online interview on the Meridian Award website and Instagram platform. Only the winner receives the $1,000 unrestricted cash prize; finalists are recognized through publication and promotion. Applicants must submit their name, email, optional Instagram username and website, up to 5 work samples (images and/or video links), artwork details for each submission, an artist statement (250 words max), and a biography (150 words max). The standard application fee is $25, with an early bird fee of $15 until April 15, 2026.