AWARD OVERVIEW
The Meridian Youth Award is a youth initiative of The Meridian Award, an independent art award founded in New York City. Created for artists ages 14–18, it recognizes young artists at an important stage in their artistic development and welcomes submissions from around the world.
The award celebrates work that demonstrates originality, curiosity, thoughtful experimentation, and a developing artistic voice. Applicants are selected through an open call and juried review. Portfolios are considered for the strength of their ideas, the artist’s visual decision-making, the clarity and distinctiveness of their perspective, and the originality of the portfolio as a whole. There are no thematic requirements.
Applicants are judged solely on their submitted artwork. Past awards, exhibitions, education, and other accomplishments are not part of the selection criteria.
Each award cycle recognizes one winner and two finalists. The winner receives a $1,000 cash award. The winner and both finalists receive personalized letters of recommendation from the Meridian Award Team, written in response to their submitted work. Recipients may use these letters to support college applications or other art-related opportunities.
The winner and finalists will also receive continued promotion and support through the Meridian Award platform, offering young artists the opportunity to share their work with a broader audience.
ELIGIBILITY
The Meridian Youth Award is open to young artists ages 14–18.
There are no restrictions based on nationality, location, education, or professional status.
AWARD STRUCTURE
Each award cycle will recognize:
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One winner, who receives a $1,000 cash award, a personalized letter of recommendation, and continued promotion and support through the Meridian Award platform.
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Two finalists, who each receive a personalized letter of recommendation and continued promotion and support through the Meridian Award platform.
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Letters of recommendation will be based on the student’s submitted artwork. Selection is based on the artwork submitted for review, not on past accomplishments.
APPLICATION FEE
The application fee is $25 per application.
DISCIPLINES
The Meridian Award accepts submissions across a wide range of contemporary practices, including: Painting, drawing, digital art, sculpture, photography, print-based media, textile-based media, performance art, sound art, video art, and interdisciplinary practices.
At this time, short films, feature-length films are not eligible for consideration.
APPLICATION MATERIALS
Applicants will submit their artwork and the information requested through the official application form.
• Name and Email
• Upload up to 5 total files (images and/or video links combined)
• Artwork Description
• Artist Statement
• Biography
Image Submission Guidelines
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File Size: Each uploaded image must not exceed 2 MB.
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File Naming: Image filenames should match the titles of their corresponding artworks.
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File Uploads: Images must be uploaded individually. A separate portfolio PDF is not required.
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Video Submissions: Video links may be included as part of the five total submissions.
Applicants must submit all materials through the official application platform on this website. Any incomplete submissions or submissions that do not adhere to the specified file size, file type, and naming conventions may result in disqualification. Due to the volume of submissions, application fees are non-refundable. We encourage applicants to review their materials thoroughly prior to submitting.
The second cycle of The Meridian Award is now officially open for applications.
Regular Application Fee: $25
Regular Application Deadline: January 15, 2027
Please find application form here Apply
REVIEW PROCESS & TIMELINE
Following the close of the application period, the Meridian Award Team will begin reviewing all submissions. Portfolios will be evaluated based on artistic excellence, clarity of vision, and the strength of a distinct contemporary practice.
The winner and two finalists will be announced in mid-February 2027. Official announcements will be made on our website and Instagram @meridianaward. Applicants are encouraged to check these platforms for updates.