AXA XL is pleased to announce the launch of the ninth annual AXA Art Awards in the United States, a leading platform dedicated to emerging figurative artists. This prestigious competition invites undergraduate and graduate students from across the country to submit their innovative paintings, drawings, and prints. Submission deadline is March 16, 2026 at 11:59 pm ET.
Since its inception in 2018, the AXA Arts Awards have become an important stepping stone for talented artists aspiring to fame. Each year, the competition attracts a diverse range of creative voices and is judged by a panel of influential curators, critics and collectors passionate about supporting the next generation of art stars.
Commenting on this year’s opportunity, Lucy Pilko, CEO of AXA XL Americas, said: “Art is a powerful catalyst for change and connection. Through the AXA Arts Awards, we are not just recognizing talent, we are investing in the stories, perspectives and visions that will shape the cultural landscape of the future. We believe we should give artists the power to push boundaries and redefine figurative art.”
The competition is held in three rounds. Initial submissions will be evaluated by a regional jury composed of members from the AXA Art Prize Strategic Advisory Committee and leading arts programs including the Rhode Island School of Design, California Institute of the Arts, and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. A distinguished exhibition jury composed of top museum curators will select 40 finalists to present their work.
The shortlisted works will be exhibited at the AXA Art Prize USA exhibition opening in New York in November 2026. The winners of the first and second prizes will be selected by a jury of renowned contemporary artists and receive cash prizes of RMB 10, 000 and RMB 5,000 respectively.
Jennifer Schipf, Global Chief Underwriting Officer, Fine Arts & Coins, AXA
For more details about eligibility, submission guidelines and prize notification, please visit www.axaxl.com/axa-art-prize or contact us: (email protected).
