The Italian Cultural Institute in New York, the Italian Academy for Advanced Studies at Columbia University, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the Ministry of Culture have announced the launch of the 21st edition of the New York Prize, a prestigious residency program for emerging Italian visual artists.

This year’s award will give two selected artists the opportunity to experience New York’s vibrant cultural scene for five months, from February 1 to June 30, 2026. The residency includes a monthly stipend of $4,928 to cover living expenses, access to a studio space at the Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts or a similar venue, a round-trip economy ticket to New York, insurance coverage, and assistance with visa procedures.

During the program, artists will be encouraged to take part in cultural and creative initiatives organized by the Italian Cultural Institute and the Italian Academy. They may also attend classes at Columbia University—such as art history, visual arts, film theory, or architecture—subject to instructor approval. The residency will conclude with a public exhibition of their work in Manhattan or Brooklyn.

Eligibility requirements include Italian citizenship and residence in Italy, being born after December 31, 1990, active engagement in the visual arts, at least one solo exhibition, and fluency in English.

Applications must be submitted by September 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM CET. Candidates should send the required materials via email to premionewyork@gmail.com, following the guidelines provided in the official announcement, which include a résumé, letters of recommendation, a portfolio, a project proposal, a motivational letter, and a copy of an ID.