Art Explora European Award shortlist is announced!

Shortlisted projects announced!

20 projects, imagined by cultural organisations from across Europe and developing new forms of audience engagement, are shortlisted for the 2026 Art Explora - Académie des beaux-arts European Award.

These projects are in the running to win one of the three awards of €30,000, €40,000, or €50,000.

What is the European Award?

Every year, the Art Explora X Académie des Beaux-Arts European Award recognises cultural organisations across Europe pioneering bold new ways to engage audiences. 2026 has been the award's biggest year yet, with 432 applications from 35 countries — up 32% last year, when 32 countries applied.

Vote for your favourite project!

From 2 to 12 October, everyone can vote for their favourite project to decide the People's Choice Award.

Mark the date: the winners will be announced on 24 November. Follow us on social media to find out this year’s winners!

New location

This November, for the first time in its history, the award ceremony leaves its traditional home at the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris and comes to London, taking place at the Victoria and Albert Museum on 24 November 2026 — a milestone moment for Art Explora here in the UK.

The award is run in partnership with the Académie des Beaux-Arts — the historic Paris institution founded in 1816 — reflecting our shared belief that culture should reach further and connect more people.

This year’s winners are chosen by a jury of nine leading figures from across Europe’s arts and cultural world.