Burlington Contemporary Art Writing Prize ($1,000)
Burlington Contemporary Art Writing Prize 2026 Invites Entries from Emerging Art Critics
If you’re an aspiring art writer looking to establish yourself in the field of contemporary art criticism, the Burlington Contemporary Art Writing Prize 2026 offers an excellent opportunity to gain recognition, publication, and a cash award.
Organised by Burlington Contemporary, the annual prize seeks to discover talented writers capable of producing thoughtful, engaging, and accessible reviews of contemporary art exhibitions.
Benefits of the Burlington Contemporary Art Writing Prize
The winner will receive:
- £1,000 in prize money.
- Publication of the winning review on Burlington Contemporary.
- The opportunity to publish a review of a future contemporary art exhibition in The Burlington Magazine.
The Thistle Trust generously funded the 2026 prize.
Who Can Enter?
- The competition is open to writers worldwide who have published no more than six pieces in professional print or online publications. Personal blogs, websites, and student newspapers do not count toward this limit.
- Applicants who have previously published in The Burlington Magazine or Burlington Contemporary are not eligible.
- Writers of any age can submit, and they must write in English.
Submission Guidelines for the Burlington Contemporary Art Writing Prize
Entrants must submit:
- An unpublished review of a contemporary art exhibition.
- A review between 800 and 1,000 words.
- Up to three low-resolution images.
- A completed submission form.
- The review as a Microsoft Word document (PDFs will not be accepted).
The exhibition reviewed must feature art created since 2000 and must either be currently running or have closed within the last six months.
Submissions should be emailed to burlingtoncontemporary@
Judging Panel
The 2026 competition will be judged by:
- Amy Sillman, acclaimed artist and writer.
- Richard Shiff, art historian and Director of the Center for the Study of Modernism at the University of Texas at Austin.
Deadline
The submission deadline is 10:00 a.m. BST on Monday, 20 July 2026. Late entries will not be accepted.
Tips for Preparing Your Entry
A compelling exhibition review depends not only on insightful analysis but also on clear, polished writing. Before submitting your review, consider brushing up on the fundamentals of editing with this guide on what copy editing is and why it matters. Careful editing can significantly improve the clarity and professionalism of your work.
You may also enjoy this roundup of the best writing instruments every writer should have, which explores practical tools that can make your writing process more enjoyable and productive.
