Ministry of Culture Announces National Awards for Visual Arts and Photography 2026

Published on May 12, 2026 | Translated from Spanish

The Ministry of Culture has launched the call for the 2026 National Awards for Visual Arts and Photography, as published in the BOE. Each award is endowed with 30,000 euros, intended to recognize a work or performance carried out during 2025, or a complete professional career if adequately justified.

A hand holds a paintbrush and a camera in front of a background featuring the BOE and 30,000 euro coins, symbolizing the National Awards for Visual Arts and Photography 2026.

The technical evaluation process and selection criteria 🎨

The jury, composed of industry professionals, will evaluate the applications based on criteria of artistic quality and innovation. The rules require submitting the documentation in digital format through the Ministry's electronic headquarters. The submission deadline ends in two months. Each candidate must include a dossier with images and a descriptive report. The resolution will be published in the BOE before the end of the year.

Thirty thousand bucks so no one can agree 💸

For 30,000 euros, the jury will have to debate whether to award an installation of crushed soda cans or a series of blurry cloud photos. The fun will come when some artist, in their acceptance speech, claims that their work symbolizes the fight against capitalism while cashing the check. Tradition dictates.