CONTESTARTISTS
OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS · 2026
THE JM-QAFRI ART PRIZE 2026
PRIZE FUND
$33,500
CATEGORIES
9 MEDIUMS
DEADLINE
15 SEP 2026
— ABOUT THE PRIZE
CONTEST DETAILS

The JM-Qafri Art Prize is an internationally recognised open-call competition celebrating artists who push the boundaries of visual language — across print, oil, digital media, film, sculpture, and emerging technologies. Now in its third edition, the Prize draws entries from over 60 countries and awards more than $33,500 in prizes, exhibition opportunities, and collector introductions.

THEME
LIMINAL — Art at the threshold of identity, memory, and transformation.
ELIGIBILITY
Open to all artists 18 years and older, worldwide. All experience levels welcome.
FORMAT
Submit up to 3 original works per application. Physical or digital delivery accepted.
JURY
International panel of curators, collectors, and cultural critics. Results are final.
— AWARDS
PRIZES &
RECOGNITION
01
$20,000
Grand Prix
Solo exhibition at JM-Qafri Gallery, Nairobi + International press feature
02
$8,000
Excellence Award
Group exhibition inclusion + Collector introduction programme
03
$4,000
Emerging Voice
Mentorship residency with JM-Qafri studio + Publication feature
04
$1,500
Jury Commendation
Digital portfolio publication + Certificate of distinction
— SCHEDULE
KEY
DATES
01 MAY 2026
Submissions Open
30 JUL 2026
Early Entry Deadline
15 SEP 2026
Final Submission Deadline
10 OCT 2026
Shortlist Announced
07 NOV 2026
Winners Ceremony, Nairobi
— HALL OF DISTINCTION
PREVIOUS
WINNERS
Amara Osei-Bonsu
Fractured Meridian
Digital Mixed Media
GRAND PRIX — 2025
Amara Osei-Bonsu
Grand Prix — $15,000
GRAND PRIX — 2024
Leilani Nakamura
Grand Prix — $12,000
GRAND PRIX — 2023
Théo Marchetti
Grand Prix — $10,000
— ENTER THE PRIZE
SUBMIT
YOUR WORK

Complete the form below to register your entry. A confirmation email will be sent within 48 hours. Submission fee: $25 USD per entry.

FULL NAME *
EMAIL ADDRESS *
COUNTRY
PROJECT TITLE
PORTFOLIO URL
MEDIUM *
ARTIST STATEMENT
* Required fields. By submitting you agree to the JM-Qafri Prize Terms & Conditions.
© JM-Qafri Art Prize · Nairobi · 2026Print · Film · AI · 3D · CGI