Villa Romana Prize 2026: Celebrating 120 Years of Artistic Excellence

The Villa Romana, an esteemed cultural institution in Florence, celebrates its 120th anniversary this year by announcing the recipients of the Villa Romana Prize 2026. This prestigious award, established in 1905, aims to support artists who push the boundaries of artistic practice and explore new dimensions in art.

The selected artists for the 2026 prize are Charmaine Poh, Susanne Sachsse, Mikołaj Sobczak, and Gülbin Ünlü. The jury for this year's selection included Franciska Zólyom and Johannes Paul Raether, who evaluated nominations from notable figures such as Karimah Ashadu, Rosa Barba, Carina Bukuts, and Leonie Radine. This diverse group of artists reflects a continuation of the Villa Romana's commitment to fostering innovative artistic expression.

Charmaine Poh, based between Berlin and Singapore, utilizes moving images and performance in her work to interrogate themes of agency, repair, and the body. Her notable exhibitions include the Singapore Art Museum and the 60th Venice Biennale. Recently, she was recognized as one of Forbes Asia’s 30 under 30 in the arts and named Deutsche Bank’s Artist of the Year for 2025.

Susanne Sachsse, an artist and actress from East Germany, critiques nationalism and social norms through her installations. Her recent works have been displayed at venues such as Kestner Gesellschaft and Gropius Bau. Her exhibition, "Choose Mutation," is set to be showcased at PS1 MoMA in New York City in 2025-26.

Mikołaj Sobczak, who resides in Düsseldorf, explores queer activism through his art, which encompasses painting, video, and performance. His international exhibitions include notable venues such as the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw and the Salzburger Kunstverein. He has also held residencies at the Rijksakademie van beeldende kunsten in Amsterdam.

Gülbin Ünlü, an artist based in Munich, combines painting, drawing, sculpture, and performance in her practice. She has gained recognition through her publications and music albums, receiving numerous accolades, including the Bayerischer Kunstförderpreis in 2023. She also held a temporary professorship at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich.

The Villa Romana Prize is the oldest German art prize, with a rich history intertwined with renowned artists. The institution benefits from the support of various sponsors, including the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM), Deutsche Bank Foundation, and BAO Foundation. Additionally, the collaboration with the Kunsthistorisches Institut in Florenz—Max-Planck-Institut will continue into its seventh year in 2026, emphasizing the ongoing significance of the Villa Romana in the contemporary art landscape.

As the Villa Romana embarks on this milestone year, the achievements of the 2026 prize winners highlight the institution's enduring legacy and its pivotal role in nurturing artistic innovation. With an emphasis on diverse perspectives and groundbreaking work, the Villa Romana Prize continues to be a beacon for creativity in the global art community.