The Create! Magazine Art Prize

Tenth Anniversary Edition

Celebrating a decade of contemporary art and the artists who shape our culture today.

Since its inception, Create! Magazine has been dedicated to providing a meaningful platform for rising voices in contemporary art. To celebrate our tenth anniversary, we are proud to announce our inaugural annual art prize. This initiative is designed to discover exceptional talent and offer professional opportunities that extend far beyond a single publication.

Categories for Submissions

We invite artists to share their work in the following categories. Winners will be selected for each discipline.

01

Painting and Two-Dimensional Media

Including painting, drawing, and printmaking.

02

Photography and
Digital Art

including film, digital photography, and new media (excluding ai).

03

Sculpture and Three-Dimensional Design

Including sculpture, ceramics, installation, and spatial works.

04

Fiber and
Textile Art

Including textile, weaving, embroidery, and soft sculpture.

Awards and Recognition

THE GRAND PRIZE WINNER

One artist selected from the total pool.

  • $1,000 Dollar Cash Award: Direct financial support for your studio practice.

  • Exhibit Participation (1 medium sized artwork in our anniversary pop up exhibition in Philadelphia, October 2026)

  • Six-Page Editorial Spread: Extensive interior feature and interview in the print magazine.

  • Podcast Guest Invitation: A dedicated episode to discuss your work and process.

  • Global Social Media Spotlight: Feature shared with our audience of over 200,000.

  • Physical Award: Professional, foil-stamped certificate sent by mail.

First Place Category Winners

One winner for each of the four categories.

  • Annual Membership: One-year membership to our artist membership Create! Collective ($390 dollar value).

  • Exhibit Participation (1 medium sized artwork in our anniversary pop up exhibition in Philadelphia, October 2026)

  • Two-Page Editorial Feature: A dedicated spread in the print magazine.

  • Blog Interview: A solo interview on the official Create! Magazine website.

  • Social Media Spotlight: A featured post on our official platforms.

  • Physical Award: Professional award certificate sent by mail.

Second and Third Place Category Winners

Two artists per category.

  • Blog Interview: A featured solo interview on the Create! Magazine website.

  • Physical Award: Professional award certificate sent by mail.

  • Social Media Spotlight: A featured post on our official platforms.

Timeline:

Submissions Open:

June 5, 2026

Submissions Deadline:

July 31, 2026

JURY REVIEW PERIOD:

August 2026

WINNERS ANNOUNCED:

August 30, 2026

PUBLICATIONS AND FEATURES:

Fall 2026 and throughout 2027.

Meet the Jury

Ekaterina Popova

Founder of Create! Magazine, contemporary artist, and coach.

Alicia Puig

CEO of PxP Contemporary, Director of Business Operations and writer.

Christina Nafziger

Arts writer and lead editor.

From our artists:

  • "I've been lucky enough to have five solo shows and appeared in many group shows in the last decade, and I'm looking forward to continued evolution, creation and collaboration as we head into the next ten!"

    — Jenni Stringleman

  • "Since my work was published in Create! Magazine, my practice has expanded significantly into larger public and corporate spaces. I am deeply grateful for your continuous support."

    — Yuya Saito

  • "A lot has happened since my brief feature in Issue #19. I’m now represented by a gallery in Vienna and have had my first exhibition in Canada. Create! Magazine was an important part of my journey."

    — Linda Berger

Frequently Asked Questions 

Please read very carefully.

IS INCLUSION IN THE PRIZE GUARANTEED?
The Create! Magazine Tenth Anniversary Art Prize is a juried opportunity. Selection for the print magazine, blog interviews, and cash prizes is determined solely by our jury. Submission does not guarantee inclusion in the print publication, exhibition or awards. Finalists and winners will be published on our blog and in future magazine issues throughout the 2026-2027 season.

CAN I REQUEST A REFUND?
All entry fees are non-refundable. These fees are used immediately to cover the administration and jurying process.

WHAT IF I CAN NOT AFFORD THE SUBMISSION FEE?
We are committed to making this opportunity accessible through a limited number of scholarships. To be considered, please email info@createmagazine.com with the subject line "Scholarship Application." Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Please include:

  1. An explanation of your current situation.

  2. A link to your professional website or online portfolio.

  3. A current CV.

  4. Links to your professional social media accounts.

  5. A link to a Dropbox or Google Drive folder containing 10-20 images of your best work.

  6. What will the Create! Magazine Prize enable you to do in your career?

LEGAL NOTE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: Artists retain all copyrights to their work. By submitting, you grant Create! Magazine a non-exclusive license to use your images for promotional purposes related to the Art Prize, including social media, the website, and the print publication should you be selected as a winner.