(Linz, January 7, 2026) Submissions for the Prix Ars Electronica are now open. In 2026, the renowned media art prize is accepting entries in the categories Digital Humanity, Interactive Art +, New Animation Art, and u19—create your world. Participants compete for the four coveted Golden Nicas, each with prize money of up to €10,000. The submission deadline is March 4, 2026.
Founded in 1987, the Prix Ars Electronica is today regarded as the world’s most prestigious competition for media art. Each year, artists from around the globe submit their works in a range of rotating categories to be evaluated by an international jury of experts. This year’s prize winners will be announced in June 2026.
Golden Nicas in Four Categories
In cooperation with the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, the former Ars Electronica Award for Digital Humanity launches for the first time as a full category of the Prix Ars Electronica, endowed with a Golden Nica and €10,000 in prize money. The Digital Humanity category honors initiatives that use digital technologies to strengthen communities, enable cultural exchange, and foster an open and inclusive civil society. Special consideration is given to projects from geographic areas or cultural contexts that are often overlooked or underrecognized.
The Interactive Art + category focuses on interactive works that stand out for their technological or scientific innovation, new forms of communication at the intersection of humans and technology, and strong sociopolitical relevance. The prize money is €10,000.
New Animation Art focuses on works that combine animation, art, and technology. The category seeks visionary artists who explore new ways of visual expression and creative prototyping. The prize money is €10,000.
The category u19—create your world is open to children and young people (with residence in Austria) under the age of 19, inviting them to submit fresh ideas for a positive shared future. All artistic and creative forms of expression are welcome. The prize money for the Golden Nica is €3,000.
Furthermore, selected submissions to the Prix Ars Electronica 2026 and the S+T+ARTS Prize 2026 may be recognized as part of the AI for Social Impact Initiative, jointly presented by Ars Electronica and CARE Austria.
Award Ceremony in September 2026
The awards will be presented during the Prix Ars Electronica Award Ceremony at the Ars Electronica Festival, taking place from September 9 to 13, 2026. Selected works will also be featured in the Prix Ars Electronica Exhibition.
