Basim Magdy Wins Helmut-Kraft Art Prize 2026
Basim Magdy, a 1977-born artist and filmmaker from Basel, has been awarded the Helmut-Kraft Art Prize 2026 by the Helmut-Kraft-Stiftung and the Museum für Neue Kunst in Freiburg im Breisgau. This annual prize celebrates contemporary artists known for their artistic freedom, high-quality work, and a hopeful vision for the future. The foundation’s board praised Magdy’s extensive work, which has captivated audiences with its distinctive visual flair. With this honor, he joins an impressive list of past winners, such as Hans Haacke, Rosemarie Trockel, and Anselm Kiefer. The aim of the prize is to ensure a lasting institutional legacy. The announcement was made by the foundation and museum.
Key facts
- Basim Magdy, born 1977, is a Basel-based artist and filmmaker.
- He has been awarded the Helmut-Kraft Art Prize 2026.
- The prize is awarded annually by the Helmut-Kraft-Stiftung and the Museum für Neue Kunst in Freiburg im Breisgau.
- The award honors contemporary artists for outstanding artistic independence, high quality, and a promising vision for the future.
- The foundation’s board commended Magdy’s multidisciplinary oeuvre for its distinctive visual language.
- Previous laureates include Hans Haacke, Rosemarie Trockel, Anselm Kiefer, Imi Knoebel, Karin Sander, Havîn Al-Sîndy, Gerold Miller, Nicole Wermers, and Peter Stauss.
- The prize is uniquely structured to ensure the long-term institutional presence of the award.
Entities
Artists
- Basim Magdy
- Hans Haacke
- Rosemarie Trockel
- Anselm Kiefer
- Imi Knoebel
- Karin Sander
- Havîn Al-Sîndy
- Gerold Miller
- Nicole Wermers
- Peter Stauss
Institutions
- Helmut-Kraft-Stiftung
- Museum für Neue Kunst
Locations
- Basel
- Switzerland
- Freiburg im Breisgau
- Germany