*WESTSTERN

As a newly established art award, *WESTSTERN supports and promotes the creative work of art associations in Germany’s most populous federal state, North Rhine-Westphalia.

Its aim is to reveal and strengthen the often-overlooked potential inherent in the unique format of the Kunstverein—an institution ‘born’ in Germany—whose possibilities frequently remain untapped due to limited financial resources. With knowledge, dedication, and a wealth of ideas, *WESTSTERN brings this potential to light.

 

The prize is funded by entrepreneur Jan Fischer and was established and organized in cooperation with the LEAP Art Foundation in September 2024.

Each year, prizes are awarded in three categories:

 

1. Annual curatorial concept

2. Artistic solo exhibition

3. Social engagement 

 

A total of €90,000 in funding is awarded annually. The winners are selected by an independent, professional jury.

Applications for the open call for the year 2027 can be submitted from September 2026 onwards.