Top 10 International Sculpture Awards

For sculptors, competitions offer more than just a title—they often solve the biggest hurdle in a 3D artist's career: visibility. Getting large-scale or three-dimensional work in front of collectors is logistically difficult.

The following competitions are renowned for their ability to transport, showcase, and champion sculptural work. Whether you work in bronze, ceramics, digital 3D, or mixed media installation, these awards can elevate your practice to the international stage.

1. The Aesthetica Art Prize (visit site)

Hosted by the influential art and culture magazine, this prize is a major platform for contemporary artists. It is particularly welcoming to installation and sculptural works that challenge modern concepts.

• Focus: Contemporary Art (All media, strong sculpture focus).
• Why enter: Finalists are exhibited at the York Art Gallery (UK) and published in the widely distributed Aesthetica anthology.

2. Arte Laguna Prize (visit site)

Based in Venice, Italy, this is one of the most significant open calls in the world. It has a dedicated "Sculpture and Installation" section and attracts high-profile curators.

• Focus: Sculpture, Installation, Land Art.
• Why enter: The opportunity to exhibit in the iconic Arsenal of Venice, plus a massive network of residency partnerships.

3. International Sculpture Center (ISC) Awards (visit site)

The ISC is the leading non-profit organization for the advancement of sculpture. Their "Outstanding Student Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture" award is the gold standard for emerging talent.

• Focus: Contemporary Sculpture (Student and Professional categories).
• Why enter: Winners are featured in Sculpture magazine and gain immediate credibility within the academic and gallery sectors.

4. Loewe Foundation Craft Prize (visit site)

Initiated by the luxury fashion house Loewe, this prize seeks to acknowledge the importance of craft in today's culture. It blurs the line between "craft" and "fine art sculpture."

• Focus: Ceramics, glass, metal, wood, textile, and paper.
• Why enter: A massive €50,000 prize and global exposure in the luxury market.

5. The Sunny Art Prize (visit site)

A global prize based in London that promotes diversity in art. It is known for touring exhibitions, taking winning work from London to major cities in China.

• Focus: Contemporary Art (Sculpture and Ceramics highly encouraged).
• Why enter: Rare access to the Asian art market through their partner galleries in Beijing and Shanghai.

6. BBA Artist Prize (visit site)

Run by BBA Gallery in Berlin, this prize looks for "absolute authenticity." They are very open to experimental installation and kinetic sculpture.

• Focus: Contemporary Art (Berlin-centric but international).
• Why enter: Winners receive a solo show at the gallery in Berlin, one of the world's most vital art capitals.

7. Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize (visit site)

For artists whose work leans towards the surreal, the dark, or the fantastical. They have a specific "Sculpture" category that celebrates high detail and narrative.

• Focus: Pop Surrealism and Lowbrow Art.
• Why enter: Incredible social media exposure and distinct categorization that fits work often rejected by "minimalist" white-cube competitions.

8. The Lumen Prize (visit site)

If your sculpture involves technology—such as 3D printing, VR sculpting, or interactive electronics—this is the world's premier award.

• Focus: Art created with technology.
• Why enter: Bridges the gap between the traditional art world and the tech industry.

9. YICCA International Contest (visit site)

An international call for artists that focuses purely on the quality of the work rather than the artist's CV. It culminates in a final exhibition in a different European city each year.

• Focus: All media, including heavy installation.
• Why enter: Excellent for early-career sculptors looking for their first major European exhibition catalogue credit.

10. The Ingram Prize (visit site)

A leading prize for finding new talent. The Ingram Collection is one of the most notable publicly accessible collections of Modern British Art.

• Focus: Emerging artists (Graduates and early career).
• Why enter: The winner’s work is often purchased for the collection, providing a permanent legacy for the piece.

Have you documented your work? Select the competition that fits your medium and ensure your submission photos do justice to the physical presence of your sculpture.