ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

K21 Global Art Award 2026 Shortlist Announced

award · 2026-05-19

On October 8, 2026, the fourth K21 Global Art Award will be presented by the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen in collaboration with the Freunde der Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen. This prestigious award ranks among the most generously funded international honors for contemporary art, emphasizing a worldwide perspective. It aims to celebrate mid-career artists who express a unique artistic vision and contribute significantly to contemporary discussions. The accolade encompasses the purchase of a piece for the collection and a special exhibition at K21. The nominees for the 2026 award are Monira Al Qadiri (born 1983 in Dakar, Senegal) and biarritzzz (born 1994 in Fortaleza, Brazil).

Key facts

  • K21 Global Art Award presented for the fourth time
  • Award date: October 8, 2026
  • One of the most highly endowed international prizes for contemporary art
  • Recognizes mid-career artists with distinct artistic vision
  • Prize includes acquisition of a work for the collection
  • Prize includes a dedicated presentation at K21
  • Nominee: Monira Al Qadiri (b. 1983, Dakar, Senegal)
  • Nominee: biarritzzz (b. 1994, Fortaleza, Brazil)

Entities

Artists

  • Monira Al Qadiri
  • biarritzzz

Institutions

  • Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen
  • Freunde der Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen
  • K20
  • K21

Locations

  • Dakar
  • Senegal
  • Fortaleza
  • Brazil

Sources