The un—realized Art Prize is open to professional artists and collectives who live or work in Switzerland. Eligible submissions include visual art projects that have not yet been realized. The prize views art as a living practice — a space for thinking, envisioning, and becoming.
The jury will select a shortlist of five projects. Four will each receive CHF 3,000 in support, and one will be awarded the main prize of CHF 20,000 to complete the project within six months.
Call for Submussions 2025—26
Submission FormTerms and conditions of participation
Only projects that have not yet been realized are eligible for submission. Works that have already been publicly presented, published, or executed are excluded from participation. Commercial films and purely performative works are not eligible; however, performative elements may form part of a visual concept.
Submissions are made digitally via the application form. A project description consisting of a short text and a more detailed long text is mandatory. Additional materials such as sketches, photographs, renderings, models, audio or video files, as well as further research materials, may be uploaded. Applicants seeking to realize their project must also provide a rough timeline, information on potential partners, and a budget of up to CHF 20,000. Additional third-party funding is permitted but must be declared. Common file formats for images, audio, video, and text are accepted.
All copyrights for the submitted projects remain fully with the artists. By submitting an application, applicants grant un—realized the right to use excerpts—such as sketches or texts—for communication and presentation purposes within the framework of the prize, and to archive them permanently, both digitally and physically. In the case of collectives, responsibility for internal rights clarification lies with the participants.
The winning project must be realized within six months. Eligible for funding are project-related costs such as fees, materials, technical expenses, transport, or documentation. Not eligible are ongoing operating costs, infrastructure purchases without direct project relevance, or private travel expenses. Should changes to the submitted concept become necessary, they may only be made in consultation with and with the approval of the jury.
All submitted data will be treated confidentially and used exclusively for the administration of the competition. The prize is committed to transparency, diversity, and fairness—through clear criteria, documented procedures, and a rotating jury. Submissions that are not selected remain anonymous.
By submitting their application, applicants confirm that they have read and accepted the terms and conditions.