An unprecedented step forward for Indian art, the inaugural edition of the Motwani Jadeja Art Prize will support an Indian woman artist with a USD 63,000 prize

The time for Indian art is now. Artists from around the country are receiving international recognition like never before by leading institutions, galleries, collectors and the market alike. We are thrilled to invite applications for the inaugural edition of India’s largest artist prize, led by the Motwani Jadeja Family Foundation. Read on to learn about the prize, criteria and themes, and apply the prize, criteria and themes, and apply HERE.

What is the Motwani Jadeja Art Prize?

This first-of-its-kind annual Art Prize will support and nurture one extraordinary artist from India each year through a commissioned art project. This will be the largest art prize in South Asia and will contribute towards the development of the winning artist’s practice through the realisation of an ambitious, large-scale outdoor art installation. Amidst the exponential rise of the domestic arts sector in India, an art prize of this scale advances India’s rising position in the global cultural landscape with the Motwani Jadeja Foundation at the helm. The Prize cultivates a thriving legacy of patronage in the region and offers unprecedented visibility to India’s dynamic creative energy and diverse contemporary practices. In its pursuit of greater equality, access to opportunity, and the fostering of an entrepreneurial spirit, the Motwani Jadeja Foundation empowers young entrepreneurs, and now artists, in India and beyond through fellowships, direct investments, and partnerships, driving impactful change.

The First Edition of the Motwani Jadeja Art Prize

For the first edition of the Prize, the Motwani Jadeja Foundation invites applications from womxn artists residing in India. The overarching curatorial direction for the inaugural edition of the Prize will draw from themes including sustainability, community and ecology. The application criteria and themes affirm both organisations’ deep commitment to nurturing domestic talent, and interest in contextualising art within wider communities and lived environments.

Who Can Apply?

Applications for the first edition of the Prize will be accepted by candidates who meet the following criteria. You are:

• an Indian citizen residing in the country
• you identify as women
• you are a practising artist and have been exhibiting professionally for at least three years

What are the Themes of the Prize?

In its inaugural edition, the prize will support work that explores the place of the artist in her community and natural environment. The prize will support the creation of an ambitious outdoor installation that redefines the role and function of art-making across but not limited to the themes focusing on this “moment in time,” such as sustainability, community and ecology. The final work will take the form of a large installation to be unveiled at India Art Fair 2025, and must be weatherproof. We invite artists to push their creative limits like never before and to maximise the potential of the prize!

What will the Winner Receive?

The winner of the Motwani Jadeja Art Prize will receive a total sum of USD 63,000, which includes both a production and travel component as well as a direct cash prize, besides the opportunity to showcase their commissioned art project at India Art Fair 2025.

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Key Dates and Timeline

11 March 2024: Applications open
28 June 2024: Applications close
28 July 2024: Winner is announced
29 July – 15 March: 8-month project development period

How to Apply

Participating artists are required to submit their applications via this form and must submit the following materials as a high-quality Powerpoint / Keynote / PDF in landscape orientation as part of their application

Part 1 – Artist CV
Please include your achievements, including your academic background, past participation in exhibitions and fairs, prizes and awards (max. 1 page)

Part 2 – Artist Biography/strong>
Please include details around your practice, your inspiration (max. 300 words)

Part 3 – A Written Proposal
Please outline your vision for the project, including:

• How your concept connects with the theme of the prize
• Materials you propose to use as well as mechanisms for recycling / reusing these materials, if at all
• Your considerations for engagement and interaction with audiences
• Clearly define what technology would be used, if any, including software and hardware or any specialised equipment (max. 3 pages)
• Anticipated research plan, as appropriate, including a proposed bibliography, research methodology, and a schedule of travel (i.e., as detailed a work plan as possible)
• Anticipated timelines for creation of the works / installation (i.e. as detailed a work plan as possible) (max. 3 pages)

Part 4 – A Visual Proposal
Please provide strong visual references showcasing the proposed artwork / installation, including sketches, moodboards, and video and audio files. It is preferable that the visual concept is presented in a 3D format (max. 5 pages)

Please note The winning artist will have the opportunity to refine their concept once they are selected.

Deadline extended to 28 June 2024