TAF Artist Award 2026 – Flagship Award
Presented by The Arts Family (TAF)
About the Award
The TAF Artist Award 2026 is our flagship prize, recognising an established or mid-career artist whose practice has made a significant contribution to contemporary art. This award celebrates material innovation, conceptual rigor, and cultural dialogue, with a particular resonance for South Asian or Global South perspectives.
Conceived as a high-profile recognition, the TAF Artist Award amplifies the visibility of exceptional artists and positions their work within regional, national, and international contemporary art discourse.
Who Should Apply
The award is open to:
- Mid-career or established artists with a demonstrated body of work
- Artists working across any medium – visual arts, digital, interdisciplinary, performance, or socially engaged practice
- While the award prioritises alignment with South Asian or Global South narratives, exceptional artists from any context are welcome
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Have a minimum of 10 years of professional practice
- Maintain a substantial, cohesive portfolio of exhibitions, projects, or publications
- Demonstrate artistic vision, conceptual depth, and innovation in practice
- Show engagement with cultural dialogue, research, or socially meaningful practice
The Award
TAF Artist of the Year 2026
The selected artist will receive:
Major Solo Presentation – A TAF-supported solo exhibition, with production, curation, and promotional support.
Acquisition or Production Grant – Up to INR 1,50,000 to develop new work or realize an ambitious project
International Visibility – Opportunities to present work through on global platforms
Publication & Recognition – Inclusion in TAF’s annual archive, dedicated press coverage, and feature in TAF’s digital and print platforms
Application Requirements
Submissions must be in English and include:
- Artist CV (max. 3 pages)
- Statement of Artistic Practice (max. 1,000 words)
- Portfolio of Projects (pdf document) – Images, videos, texts, or links documenting previous work
- One Professional Reference from your representing gallery -requirement
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by an international jury comprising artists, curators, museum professionals, and a TAF representative (non-voting chair). Shortlisted applicants may be invited for interviews, studio visits, or presentations.
Evaluation Criteria
Applications will be assessed on:
- Artistic vision and originality
- Material and conceptual innovation
- Contribution to contemporary art discourse
- Cultural, social, or research relevance
- Feasibility and impact of the proposed project or presentation
Key Dates (Indicative)
- Call for Applications Opens: March 2026
- Application Deadline: May 2026
- Shortlist Announcement: June 2026
- Interviews / Jury Review: August 2026
- Award Announcement: September 2026
- Award Period: October 2026 – September 2027
About The Arts Family (TAF)
The Arts Family (TAF) is an international arts platform supporting artists, curators, and cultural practitioners through exhibitions, mentorship, research, and public programmes. TAF is committed to fostering cross-cultural dialogue and building sustainable ecosystems for contemporary art from South Asia and beyond.
How to Apply
Application details, submission links, and FAQs are available at:
www.theartsfamily.com