Emerging Artists for Impact Award 2026
The International Art Project Foundation (IAP) is proud to launch the inaugural Emerging Artists for Impact Award, a national open call recognizing emerging visual artists whose work demonstrates artistic excellence, originality, and the power of art to inspire meaningful social impact.
As a nonprofit organization committed to connecting art with philanthropy, education, and community engagement, IAP believes artists play an essential role in shaping culture and creating positive change. Through this award, IAP seeks to elevate emerging talent while fostering meaningful connections between artists, collectors, curators, nonprofit leaders, and the broader South Florida arts community during Miami Art Week 2026.
Award Structure
A total of 20 artists will be selected through an independent jury process.
Grand Prize Winner
One (1) artist will receive:
- $3,500 Grand Prize
- Recognition as the 2026 Emerging Artists for Impact Award Grand Prize Winner
- Inclusion in the Emerging Artists for Impact Award Exhibition during Miami Art Week 2026
- Participation in the official Opening Reception on November 30, 2026
Award Finalists
Nineteen (19) artists will each receive:
- $1,500 Finalist Award
- Recognition as a 2026 Emerging Artists for Impact Award Finalist
- Inclusion in the Emerging Artists for Impact Award Exhibition during Miami Art Week 2026
- Participation in the official Opening Reception on November 30, 2026
Artwork Contribution & Impact
As part of the Emerging Artists for Impact Award, one (1) artwork from each of the 20 selected artists will become part of the International Art Project Foundation's collection in accordance with the terms of the Artist Agreement.
By accepting the Grand Prize or Finalist Award, the selected artist agrees to transfer ownership of the one (1) artwork selected for exhibition to the International Art Project Foundation. The selected artwork will remain with IAP following the exhibition and may be used by the Foundation to advance its charitable mission and create tangible impact in support of its nonprofit partners and community initiatives.
The artist retains copyright to the artwork, subject to the permissions granted to IAP under the Artist Agreement.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Be an emerging visual artist currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program, or have graduated from a BFA or MFA program within the past two (2) years.
- Submit only original artwork completed within the past two (2) years.
- Be the sole creator and copyright holder of all submitted work.
- Be available to participate in the Emerging Artists for Impact Award Exhibition during Miami Art Week 2026 if selected.
Artists working in contemporary visual art disciplines are encouraged to apply, including:
- Painting
- Drawing
- Sculpture
- Photography
- Printmaking
- Mixed Media
- Fiber Arts
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Artist Biography (250 words maximum)
- Artist Statement (500 words maximum)
- Current CV or Résumé (PDF)
- Up to three (3) completed artworks, with 1–3 images per artwork
- Artwork information, including title, year completed, medium, dimensions, and weight
- Artwork description for each submitted work
- Optional website and social media links
Applicants may submit a maximum of three (3) completed artworks for consideration. If selected as an award recipient, one (1) submitted artwork will be chosen for inclusion in the exhibition. Upon acceptance of the award and in accordance with the Artist Agreement, ownership of the selected artwork will transfer to the International Art Project Foundation to further the Foundation's charitable mission and impact initiatives.
Selection Criteria
Applications will be reviewed by an independent jury of arts professionals based on:
- Artistic Excellence
- Originality
- Technical Proficiency
- Conceptual Strength
- Overall Quality of the Submitted Portfolio
- Alignment with the mission of the International Art Project Foundation
Jury Composition
The Emerging Artists for Impact Award will be evaluated by an independent jury of distinguished art professionals, bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise from across the contemporary art field.
Jury Chair
Helmut Schuster International Curator and Collector, based in Berlin
2026 Jurors
Antonio Permuy Fine Art Curator, Critic, and Art Patron
Antonia Wright Artist
Mario Andrés Rodríguez Independent Curator, Arts Writer & Co-Founder of Supermarket Gallery
Ronald Sanchez Director + Co-Founder, Laundromat Art Space Member, IKT International Association of Curators of Contemporary Art
Melissa Diaz Assistant Director of Collections and Exhibition Services, Lowe Art Museum
The jury will independently review eligible applications through IAP’s official application and review platform, Submittable, using the established evaluation criteria and scoring framework.
Jurors will evaluate eligible submissions based on the published selection criteria, including Artistic Excellence, Originality, Technical Proficiency, Conceptual Strength, Overall Quality of the Submitted Portfolio, and Alignment with the Mission of the International Art Project Foundation.
Important Dates
Applications Open August 17, 2026
Application Deadline September 25, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time
Jury Review Period October 13–16, 2026
Award Recipients Announced October 19, 2026
Artist Acceptance Period October 20–26, 2026 Selected artists must confirm their participation and complete all required participation materials during this period.
Artwork Shipping Window October 27–November 10, 2026
Artwork Arrival Deadline Friday, November 20, 2026 All selected artwork must physically arrive at the International Art Project Foundation by this date.
Emerging Artists for Impact Award Exhibition November 30–December 6, 2026 International Art Project Foundation Gallery Miami Beach, Florida Presented during Miami Art Week 2026
Opening Reception Monday, November 30, 2026
Artist Benefits
All 20 selected artists will receive:
- Recognition as a 2026 Emerging Artists for Impact Award recipient
- Inclusion in the Emerging Artists for Impact Award Exhibition during Miami Art Week 2026
- Professional exposure to curators, collectors, nonprofit leaders, arts professionals, and the public
- Reimbursement of approved inbound artwork shipping expenses in accordance with International Art Project Foundation policy
- Professional documentation and promotional opportunities through the Foundation
In addition, one (1) Grand Prize Winner will receive $3,500, and nineteen (19) Award Finalists will each receive $1,500, as outlined in the Award Structure above.
Application Fee
There is no application fee to apply.
Important Participation Information
Submission of an application does not guarantee selection.
Award recipients will be selected through an independent jury review process. Selected artists must accept the award invitation, execute all required participation agreements, and comply with all shipping, exhibition, and program requirements to participate in the Emerging Artists for Impact Award Exhibition during Miami Art Week 2026.
Acceptance of the Grand Prize or Finalist Award requires the selected artist to transfer ownership of the one (1) artwork selected for exhibition to the International Art Project Foundation in accordance with the Artist Agreement. The selected artwork will remain with IAP following the exhibition and may be used by the Foundation to advance its charitable mission and support its nonprofit partnerships and impact initiatives.
Approved inbound artwork shipping expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with International Art Project Foundation policy after the artwork and required documentation have been received and approved.
Questions?
For questions regarding this opportunity, please contact:
International Art Project Foundation olga@internationalartproject.org
IAP Arts & Impact Event Fellowship 2026
The International Art Project Foundation (IAP) is pleased to launch the inaugural Arts & Impact Event Fellowship, a selective experiential learning opportunity for college students and recent graduates interested in arts administration, nonprofit leadership, communications, public relations, museum studies, art history, and community engagement.
The Fellowship offers participants the opportunity to gain hands-on experience supporting public arts events while working alongside nonprofit professionals, artists, curators, and community leaders.
Unlike a traditional internship, the Fellowship is centered around IAP's signature public programming and provides meaningful, real-world experience through active participation in event operations, visitor engagement, and nonprofit arts programming.
Fellowship Commitment
Selected Fellows and Reserve Fellows are required to attend a mandatory in-person orientation prior to the first Fellowship event.
Mandatory In-Person Orientation
Saturday, September 12, 2026
11:00 AM–1:00 PM
IAP Gallery & Impact Lobby, Miami Beach
The orientation will introduce Fellows to the International Art Project Foundation's mission, programs, and event operations. Fellows will review Fellowship expectations, professional conduct, guest engagement, event procedures, safety protocols, individual responsibilities, and day-of-event roles.
The orientation will also include a walkthrough of the IAP Gallery and Impact Lobby so Fellows become familiar with both spaces prior to their first event.
Attendance for the full orientation session is required for all selected Fellows and Reserve Fellows.
Required Fellowship Events
Selected Fellows are required to participate in the following events:
- September 18, 2026 — IAP Impact Evening & Founder's Talk
- October 16, 2026 — IAP Impact Evening & Artist Talk
- November 30, 2026 — Emerging Artist Impact Award Opening Reception
In addition, Fellows are required to participate in one additional day during Miami Art Week, December 1–6, 2026, to assist with gallery operations and visitor engagement. Individual Miami Art Week dates will be coordinated with selected Fellows based on the Foundation's needs and Fellow availability.
Fellowship Responsibilities
Responsibilities may include:
- Welcoming visitors and assisting with guest registration
- Scanning tickets and tracking event attendance
- Supporting event logistics and operations
- Capturing photography and video content for social media
- Sharing information about IAP's mission, programs, and initiatives
- Assisting with exhibition and gallery activities
- Supporting visitor engagement during Miami Art Week
- Providing general support to the Operations Manager and Foundation staff
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be 21 years of age or older
- Currently reside in Miami-Dade County
- Be currently enrolled in, or have graduated within the past two years from, an accredited college or university.
- Have reliable transportation to and from the IAP Gallery in Miami Beach
- Be available for the required orientation and all required Fellowship dates
- Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and strong communication skills
Please note that applicants to the Emerging Artist Impact Award 2026 are not eligible to participate in the Fellowship during the same program cycle.
What Fellows Receive
Upon successful completion of the Fellowship, participants will receive:
- An Official Certificate of Completion from the International Art Project Foundation
- A Personalized Letter of Recommendation recognizing their professionalism, reliability, and contributions to the Foundation
- Professional mentorship
- Hands-on experience in nonprofit arts administration and event operations
- Networking opportunities with artists, curators, donors, nonprofit professionals, and community leaders
- Résumé-building professional experience
- Parking reimbursement or parking validation, when available
- Meals during full Fellowship event days
The IAP Arts & Impact Event Fellowship is unpaid and is designed as a professional development and experiential learning opportunity.
Questions
For questions regarding this opportunity, please contact:
International Art Project Foundation