.ART launches global award focused on the story behind the artwork

By AI, Created 11:03 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – .ART Registry is marking its 10th anniversary with a new international prize that rewards artistic process, digital identity and documentation, with more than $50,000 in prizes. Applications open May 11 and winners will be announced during Art Basel Miami on Dec. 3, 2026.

Why it matters: - The .ART Award shifts attention from finished pieces to the creative process, giving artists a new way to present their work online. - The prize is designed to make an artist’s domain, portfolio and digital presence part of the artwork’s record. - The award adds a global platform for artists across geographies, backgrounds and mediums.

What happened: - .ART Registry announced the .ART Award as a new opportunity for artists worldwide. - Applications open Monday, May 11, 2026, and close Nov. 1, 2026. - Applications are submitted at award.art. - Semi-finalists will be announced Nov. 6, finalists Nov. 20 and winners Dec. 3, 2026 during Art Basel Miami.

The details: - The award asks artists to share a more holistic view of themselves, their process and their art through a .ART domain linked to a website, portfolio or social media profile. - The domain is meant to serve as a living record of how an artwork takes shape, from concept and research to material and form. - Prizes include a $15,000 grand prize, residencies at Château du Fresne in France and Anfitrion in Marbella, Spain, a major editorial feature in Whitewall Magazine and a premium .ART domain valued at $10,000. - Additional prizes will be announced. - The 2026 jury includes Dean Phelus, Jerry Saltz, Sasha Stiles, Gijs Stork, Akanksha Ballaney, Laurent Moïsi, Regina Harsanyi, Shlomi Rabi, Leo Crane and Irina Tarsis. - The award is supported by partners including HUG.art, IS.ART, whitewall.art, anfitrion.art and domain registrars and resellers worldwide.

Between the lines: - .ART is positioning digital identity as part of the artwork itself, not just a place to host documentation. - Founder and CEO Ulvi Kasimov said the initiative is built to honor the context around an artwork, including process, voice and surrounding information. - The launch also doubles as a 10th-anniversary milestone for the registry.

What’s next: - Artists can enter until Nov. 1, 2026. - The registry will name semi-finalists, finalists and winners in November and December. - .ART says more prize details are still to come.

The bottom line: - .ART is using its anniversary year to turn artists’ online presence into a central part of how creative work is recognized and judged.