From April 13 to May 13, graduates of the Master’s programs at the Art Academy of Latvia (LMA) are invited to apply for the “Linstow Art Award” 2026, a targeted support program designed to provide structured and sustainable assistance to the development of the creative industries. The initiative aims to enhance the competitiveness and visibility of emerging talents in both the Latvian and international cultural arenas.
The mission of the “Linstow Art Award” is to give long-term support to young Latvian artists, ensuring a stronger art community and a lasting presence of art in the city.
“For the second year, the “Linstow Art Award” continues to make a meaningful contribution to the professional development of emerging artists and the strengthening of the creative sector. The high number of applications in the first year demonstrates that young artists particularly value practical support, especially the opportunity to work in their own studio immediately after graduation, allowing them to fully focus on their creative practice and talent development. The award provides both financial and practical support at the start of their careers, while also creating a platform for visibility and growth. By supporting emerging creative professionals, we contribute to a vibrant and inspiring urban environment, creating long-term value for both business and society,” emphasizes Evija Majevska, Commercial Director of “Linstow Baltic”.
Rector of the Art Academy of Latvia, Kristaps Zariņš, highly values the ongoing collaboration and expresses his appreciation for the continuation of the “Linstow Art Award” in 2026, emphasizing: “It is a pleasure to continue the successful cooperation with “Linstow Baltic”, providing Art Academy of Latvia graduates with much-needed support for their professional development. This can be a decisive stage for emerging artists, helping them establish themselves and find their voice in a broad and often complex professional environment.”
The “Linstow Art Award” offers targeted financial and practical support during the initial stages of young artists’ careers, including access to art studios and funding for materials. Each year, the program aims to support three of the most talented graduates of the Art Academy of Latvia’s master’s program.
Three “Linstow Art Award” 2026 awardees will receive:
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A monetary award of 3000 EUR
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One year of access to an art studio (25 m²) at the SPORTA 2 quarter in Riga (www.sporta2.com)
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The opportunity to exhibit artworks
The “Linstow Art Award” is open for applications from LMA master’s graduates (2023, 2024, 2025, 2026) from the Visual Arts, Visual Plastic Arts, Audiovisual Media Arts, and Design programs (including 2026 graduates who are currently in the process of completing their studies).
To apply, candidates must complete the online application form at: www.linstowartaward.lv
Application period: April 13 – May 13 until 13:00 PM (Riga time).
Submitted works will be evaluated by an international jury composed of Latvian and international experts in contemporary art, architecture, cultural policy, and design. The three laureates will be selected based on criteria including the artist’s previous work and future potential, the formal and conceptual aspects of the submitted work, technical execution, and the relevance of its message.
The Linstow Art Award 2026 jury includes:
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Paulina Rider Wilhelmsen – Founder of the “Linstow Art Award” and “Lise Wilhelmsen Art Award”; Philanthropist, Art Patron, Collector, and Producer.
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Inga Lāce – Jury Leader of the “Linstow Art Award”; Chief Curator at “Almaty Museum of Arts” in Kazakhstan, and C-MAP Central and Eastern Europe Fellow at “MoMA”, New York.
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Joanna Nordin – Artistic Director and Curator at “Bonniers Konsthall”, Sweden.
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Susanne Østby Sæter – Curator of photography and new media at “Henie Onstad Art Centre”, Norway.
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Vita Liberte – Latvian Lawyer, Art Collector, Patron, Entrepreneur, and Founder of “VV Foundation”.
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Dina Suhanova – Architect, Project Manager, and Researcher at the “Institute of Contemporary Art”, Design and Architecture, Art Academy of Latvia.
The professional art prize “Linstow Art Award” was established in 2025 through a collaboration between “Linstow Baltic” and the Art Academy of Latvia, with the aim of providing a contemporary platform for emerging Latvian artists to launch their professional careers and develop their talent. The award forms part of “Linstow Baltic’s” sustainable development approach, integrating art and business to support talent growth and the development of a vibrant creative urban environment.
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