Art Partner has announced the 2026 Earth Partner Prize – an international competition that aims to empower young people to take meaningful action on the climate crisis. This year’s edition is created in partnership with the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and Re:Wild.
ENTER THE PRIZE
Submissions close at 23:59 CET on Wednesday, October 7.
Young creatives aged 14 to 30, from all backgrounds and identities, are invited to submit original artworks that explore the environmental and social challenges facing our planet. Entries can be in a wide range of formats, including but not limited to photography projects, documentary and experimental film, performance art, spoken word, music, fashion design, app development, dance, and new media.
Applicants can address topics like climate justice, corporate greenwashing, Indigenous rights, material innovation, wildlife and biodiversity, waste and pollution, grassroots activism, recycling and circularity, and the physical and mental effects of the climate crisis.
Eight winners will receive cash prizes of $10,000, $5,000, or $2,000.
Additionally, 20 honorable mentions will be chosen, along with a special Impact Award for the project that shows the most meaningful impact on communities.
Winners will have their work featured in an online showcase on earthpartner.com and promoted through Art Partner’s social media channels.
Participants will also have the chance to display their work and take part in activities around COP 31, which brings together thousands of government delegates, world leaders, climate experts, and others to advance efforts to limit global warming, thanks to a collaboration with the GEF.
This year, the international jury includes some of the most influential voices in culture and the environment, such as:
– Derrick O. Boateng, acclaimed afrofuturist artist
– Dr. Robin Moore, photographer and CCO at Re:wild
– Dr. Musonda Mumba, Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
– Giovanni Testino, founder of Art Partner
– Marina Testino, sustainability advocate
– Hans Ulrich Obrist, leading art curator and artistic director of the Serpentine Galleries
– Ferdinando Verderi, creative director
– Marcela Villafaña, Indigenous Arhuaco filmmaker
– Shaway Yeh, sustainable fashion pioneer
Through the Earth Partner Prize, Art Partner aims to involve young people in conversations about environmental issues by offering a high-visibility platform for emerging talent, especially from underrepresented communities.
Last year, the Earth Partner Prize received over 1,200 submissions from more than 100 countries, showcasing the creativity and environmental commitment of young artists worldwide. Among the winners, Benson Apah (Nigeria) took the top award for his powerful project, The Last of Us. You can see the full list of 2025 winners here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about the Art Partner 2026 Earth Partner Prize written in a natural conversational tone with clear and direct answers
General Basics
1 What exactly is the Earth Partner Prize
Its a global art competition and grant program launched by Art Partner The goal is to celebrate creativity that focuses on environmental and climate issues Winners get funding and a platform to bring their project to life
2 Who can enter the 2026 Earth Partner Prize
The prize is open to artists photographers filmmakers and creative thinkers of all ages and backgrounds You dont need to be a professionalemerging talents are strongly encouraged to apply
3 Is there an entry fee
No Submitting your work is completely free
4 What kind of work can I submit
They accept a wide range of media photography short films digital art mixed media installations and even written proposals for public art The key is that your work must clearly connect to the theme of protecting or reimagining our planet
Prizes Benefits
5 What does the winner actually get
The grand prize includes a 50000 grant to produce your project plus a global exhibition opportunity mentorship from industry leaders and promotion across Art Partners network
6 Are there smaller prizes for runnersup
Yes There are multiple Honorable Mention awards These typically include smaller cash grants portfolio features on Art Partners website and access to professional development workshops
7 Do I keep the rights to my work
Yes You retain full copyright Art Partner only asks for a nonexclusive license to display and promote your work in connection with the prize
Submissions Process
8 How do I submit my entry
You submit everything through the official Art Partner website Youll need to create a free account upload your work and write a short statement explaining your projects environmental message
9 What should I include in my artist statement
Keep it clear Describe what your work shows why you made it and how it addresses an environmental issue Simplicity and passion work best