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 launches as our first annual contest—created by and for this community. It honors resident and non-resident artists whose work deepens visual language across print, oil, digital media, film, sculpture, and emerging technologies. Our circle is intentional. We take care in selecting artists whose voices resonate with us. Privacy is respected. Cultural preservation guides what we choose to uplift. Entries are drawn from within—from artists who know us, and collectors who trust our perspective. In partnership with our galleries, we are proud to offer over $33,500 in awards, exhibition opportunities, and direct connections to our in-house collectors and buyers. New collectors and enthusiasts are warmly invited to join—to play a meaningful role in the life of this community.

THEME
RIVERS, ROADS, AND RITUALS — Work shaped by memory, movement, land, inheritance, and changing urban life.
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
Atieno Otieno
Grand Prix — $12,000
GRAND PRIX — 2023
Anastasia Volkova
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 · Kisumu . Moscow , Saint Petersburg . 2026Print · Film · AI