Nordic and Baltic young artist award draws 127 entrants
Tuesday 10th November 2026 on 12:01 in
Estonia
作品 ERR reports that 127 artists from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland and Sweden are competing in the 11th Nordic and Baltic Young Artist Award, with 247 works submitted. The public vote is open until November 29.
The annual competition brings together work by graduates of art academies in the region. Finland has a record number of participating artists this year, followed by Estonia and Lithuania.
Painting makes up nearly half of the entries. Almost one-sixth of participants submitted works in different media. This year’s works explore questions of the body, identity, memory, home and belonging.
Voters can view the artists and their works on the NOBA website and choose up to five favourites. The artist whose work receives the most votes will win the audience award.
“It is good to see art auctions bringing art into the media spotlight. I hope that alongside this, we also talk about the content of the works and ask whose work deserves attention now,” competition organiser Andra Orn said. She said the annual event, now involving eight art academies and universities, gives audiences a chance to discover new artists and follow developments in Nordic and Baltic art.
The competition was established in 2016 by Nordic Baltic Art Center NOBA in cooperation with art academies and universities in the region. It focuses on artists completing bachelor’s or master’s studies and beginning their careers.
This year’s participating institutions are the Estonian Academy of Arts, Pallas University of Applied Sciences, the Art Academy of Latvia, the Vilnius Academy of Arts, the Academy of Fine Arts at Uniarts Helsinki, Turku University of Applied Sciences, Konstfack and Umeå Academy of Fine Arts.
The Grand Prix winner will receive €2,000, while the painting award carries a €1,000 prize. The photography and audience award winners will each receive €500. Artists will also be offered residencies and exhibition opportunities, including a two-week VISCOSA residency in Hiiumaa with accommodation and workspace provided. An international jury will select the Grand Prix, painting and photography award winners.