21/05/2026
Advertorial: TARTGET PRIZE 2026.
International painting contest Open Call
TARTGET PAINTING PRIZE 2026 is an international contemporary painting competition created to provide artists with real visibility, professional recognition, and global projection.
Following a highly successful first edition that brought together nearly 1,900 artworks from 85 countries, the competition returns in 2026 with an expanded structure, stronger international partnerships, and over €90,000 (more than $100,000 USD) in total awards.
The competition is open to artists worldwide, regardless of nationality, experience, or career stage. Emerging artists, professionals, and established painters are all welcome to participate.
TARTGET accepts a wide range of styles and approaches, including figurative, contemporary, abstract, conceptual, fantasy, portrait, landscape, still life, wildlife, and imaginative painting. Eligible media include oil, acrylic, watercolor, drawing, charcoal, pastel, gouache, mixed media, collage, ink, graphite, and other traditional fine art techniques. Digital art, AI-generated works, photographic prints, and digitally manipulated paintings are not accepted.
The competition includes multiple award categories, technical prizes, acquisition awards, artist residencies, educational opportunities, and international promotion.
Main prizes include:
Gold Tartget (Best in Show): €12,000
Silver Tartget: €6,000
Bronze Tartget: €4,000
Fusion Tartget (Abstract / Conceptual / Collage): €4,000
Technical Award for Drawing: €4,000
Technical Award for Watercolour: €4,000
In addition, artists may receive acquisition prizes, professional art materials from internationally recognized brands, publication opportunities, promotional features, and artistic development support.
One of the competition’s greatest strengths is its final exhibition at the prestigious Ateneo de Madrid, located beside the Prado Museum within Madrid’s UNESCO-listed Landscape of Light.
Selected artworks will be exhibited before collectors, galleries, curators, critics, media, and thousands of visitors during the official awards exhibition in September 2026.
Works are evaluated by an elite international jury composed of internationally recognised artists, curators, and art professionals, including figures such as Dirk Dzimirsky, Don Eddy, Jason Anderson, Jean Haines, Ivan Loginov, Jacob Dhein, and J. Hunsung, among others.
TARTGET is more than a competition. It is an international cultural platform designed to support artistic careers, encourage artistic production, and connect artists with collectors, galleries, institutions, and audiences worldwide.
Beyond the contest itself, the organisation develops exhibitions, collaborates with art schools and residencies, produces audiovisual content, and actively promotes participating artists through international communication campaigns and social media exposure.
Categories:
Urban and industrial landscape
Scenes of urban areas featuring buildings, industrial structures, streets, and interiors. They may highlight architecture, daily life, or the interplay between nature and the city. Participants are invited to reflect the unique energy and identity of cities.
Natural and outdoor landscape
Natural settings such as forests, mountains, rivers, or meadows. These artworks may underscore the grandeur of nature, the tranquility of open spaces, or the harmony between natural elements.
Animals and wildlife
From great predators to delicate creatures. These artworks capture the beauty and behavior of animals in the wild, including pets and domestic animals in their vital connection with the human being.
Still life
Still life and everyday objects
The beauty of everyday life as seen through common objects (fruits, flowers, utensils). These artworks underscore the elegance found within the ordinary through the exploration of light, shadow, and composition.
Figure and portrait
The use of diverse styles to convey the personality and emotion of the models. This includes everything from human groups to anatomical studies. The capacity to capture the complexity of the human form and facial expression is highly valued.
Fantasy and imaginative
Imaginary worlds, fantastic creatures, and magical scenes. Artworks that transport the viewer to alternative universes, ranging from dreamlike landscapes to mythological characters.
Young Painters
Artworks created by painters born after February 15, 2001. The subject matter may be aligned with any of the preceding categories, as specified in the rules.
Entry Fees:
Standard Category: €50 first artwork / €35 additional artworks
Young Artist Category (under 25): €35 first artwork / €20 additional artworks Artists may submit multiple works and may enter the same artwork in different categories when appropriate.
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted online through the official website: TARTGET PAINTING PRIZE Artists must create a profile and upload up to three JPG images per artwork.
Full rules, categories, deadlines, and technical requirements are available on the official website.
contact: [email protected]
fee: Yes
deadline: 31/05/2026
more info: https://tartgetpaintingprize.com/