TARTGET PRIZE 2026. International Painting Contest

Tartget Prize 2026: Over €90,000 in Awards and an Exclusive Early Entry Advantage

Following the success of its first edition, the TARTGET PAINTING PRIZE opens its second international call. Recognised for its rapid growth and substantial prize fund, this contemporary painting competition returns in 2026 firmly established as a leading global cultural platform for artists worldwide. This edition features an increased total prize fund of over €90,000.

The competition is open to artists of all techniques, styles and professional levels. Figurative, abstract, conceptual and contemporary works are accepted, as well as traditional media such as oil, watercolour and drawing. The call includes major cash prizes, technical category awards, artist residencies, specialised training, acquisition prizes, professional art materials and international promotion.

Exclusive Early Entry Advantage

Secure your place among the finalists. 75 artworks submitted before 15 February will receive direct finalist status, granting immediate access to the final phase without going through the general selection process, which remains open until 31 May.

Main Awards and Opportunities

• Gold Tartget (Best Artwork): €12,000

• Silver Tartget: €6,000

• Bronze Tartget: €4,000

• Fusion Tartget (Abstract, Conceptual, Collage): €4,000

• New for 2026: Technical Awards for Drawing (€4,000) and Watercolour (€4,000)

• Four 12-day artist residencies in Tablas de Daimiel National Park (Spain)

• Professional training residency at Atelier Madrid

• Final exhibition at the Ateneo de Madrid, steps from the Prado Museum, within the UNESCO-listed Landscape of Light

International Jury

Works will be evaluated by a distinguished international jury, including J. Hunsung (South Korea), Dirk Dzimirsky (Germany), Ivan Loginov (Russia), Jean Haines (UK), Jacob Dhein (USA), Don Eddy (USA) and Jason Anderson (UK), alongside other leading figures in the art world.

How to Apply

Artists must register at www.tartgetpaintingprize.com, create a profile and upload up to three JPG images per artwork.

Entry fees:

• Standard: €50 first artwork / €35 second artwork

• Young Artist category (under 25): €35 first artwork / €20 second artwork

After the submission period, an international jury will select 500 finalist works, from which at least 60 artworks will be exhibited at the Ateneo de Madrid between 18 and 27 September 2026, coinciding with the official awards ceremony. Located in the cultural heart of Madrid, the exhibition attracts collectors, gallery owners, critics and international media, offering exceptional visibility.

TARTGET PAINTING PRIZE is a privately organised initiative with a global vision, created to give visibility to artists, encourage artistic production and connect creators with collectors, galleries and audiences worldwide. Beyond the competition, the organisation develops exhibitions, collaborates with art schools and artist residencies, and actively supports artists’ professional development. Its mission is to serve as a global showcase where artists of any style, technique or career stage can be seen, valued and positioned within the international art market.

A unique opportunity to open the doors to success in the international art scene. The competition is now open.