Malamegi Lab Art Prize (Lab Art Contest) opens the door to a broad spectrum of visual practices (photography included) and is open to professional and amateur visual artists worldwide. Entries close on April 9, 2026, with a streamlined online form and a tiered fee system based on the number of artworks submitted.
Twelve artists will be selected for the final exhibition in May 2026 in Milan, Italy, and among them four will receive major distinctions ranging from an acquisition award and a €1,000 cash prize to the publication of a monographic art book and a collaboration for a new Malamegi Collection. For photographers browsing online photo contests, this international call stands out for its combination of exhibition, publication, and acquisition opportunities that span both traditional and digital mediums.
Photography flows easily alongside painting, sculpture, mixed media, digital art, graphics, net art and video, within an open format welcoming all visual works reproducible through an image. The total prize fund amounts to €5,000. The Malamegi Lab Art Prize final exhibition in Milan makes it a solid fit for those drawn to open theme photo contests that bridge gallery presentation and print publication.
Contents
Prizes
The Malamegi Lab Art Prize selects 12 artists for the final exhibition. Among them, 4 artists will be assigned the following awards:
- New Malamegi Collection – Collaboration Award: A collaboration for the creation of a new Malamegi Collection.
- Artwork Acquisition Award: Acquisition of one selected artwork for the Malamegi collection.
- Cash Prize: €1,000 awarded to one of the selected artists. This is an ideal complement for those seeking photography contests with cash prizes.
- Monographic Book Prize: Publication of a monographic art book dedicated to one selected artist.
- Final Exhibition (12 artists): Exhibition of the selected works in May 2026 in Milan, Italy. A valuable outcome among exhibition photography competitions.
Related Photo Contests
Categories or Themes
The contest is open to professional and amateur artists, graphic designers, painters, photographers and creatives from all over the world. The following types of works are admitted: Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Mixed Media, Digital, Video, Graphics, Net Art and other visual works that can be reproduced through a picture. This openness lets photographers submit single images or full series that draw from documentary, portrait, or street photography, as well as cross-disciplinary visual storytelling.
Dates and Entry Fees
The competition maintains a single submission window and a clear fee structure.
- Application Deadline: April 9, 2026.
- Selection of the 12 finalists: The week following the closing date of the competition.
- Selection of the winners: The week after the end of the exhibition.
- Exhibition: May 2026, Milan (Italy).
Entry Fees:
- 1 artwork €45
- 2 artworks €75
- 3 artworks €105
- 4 artworks €125
- 5 artworks €135
- 6 artworks €150
Payments are accepted by credit/debit card, PayPal, or bank transfer. Entry fees are non-refundable.
How to Enter:
Applicants must complete the Malamegi Lab Art Prize online submission form and upload image files with the required metadata. Up to six artworks can be included per entry. The process is intuitive and suitable for international artists accustomed to international photography contests.
About the Jury
Selections and distinctions are made by Malamegi Lab’s staff together with the artistic and commercial departments of the Malamegi company. The judgment is unquestionable and based on artistic quality, originality, and contemporary relevance, aligning with the standards seen in other fine art photography awards.
Why Enter Malamegi Lab Art Prize?
The Malamegi Lab Art Prize offers real visibility and professional opportunities. With a total prize fund of €5,000, an exhibition in Milan, publication opportunities, acquisition potential, and international exposure, it stands among the best photography competitions to enter for artists seeking to expand their presence in the contemporary art scene.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the Malamegi Lab Art Prize has been generated automatically. If you are interested in participating in this contest we suggest you review the complete rules provided by the contest.
Rules
- Open worldwide to professional and amateur visual artists.
- Admitted media include painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, digital art, video, graphics, net art and other visual works reproducible via image.
- Twelve artists are selected for the final exhibition, and four awards are assigned among them.
- The shipping, collection and insurance of artworks for the duration of the exhibition are the responsibility of the artists.
- Malamegi Lab and MOHO – art services are not responsible for damage, theft or loss of artworks.
- Artworks not withdrawn within six months after the end of the final exhibition can no longer be claimed.
Copyright and Image Usage
- Artists retain full ownership and copyright of submitted works.
- By entering, artists authorize the use of images for promotional and communication purposes related to the contest.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
