VISION

The VH AWARD was initiated in 2016 for supporting emerging media artists who engage with the context of Asia. Through an online residency program and exhibitions across various global platforms, the VH AWARD has been encouraging artists to share artistic experiments, amplify voices on diverse issues, and push the boundaries of audiovisual artworks to reflect on how we understand ourselves and one another in relation to the past, present and future.

The VH AWARD is hosted by Hyundai Motor Group as part of its commitment to supporting cross-cultural innovation and development.

PROCESS

STEP 01

OPEN CALL

26 May 2026 –
21 July 2026 (KST)

STEP 02

FINALIST
ANNOUNCEMENT

September 2026

STEP 03

RESIDENCY PROGRAM

September 2026 –
March 2027

STEP 04

ARTWORK
SUBMISSION

April 2027

STEP 05

AWARD CEREMONY

June 2027

STEP 06

EXHIBITION & SCREENING

June 2027 –

* STEP 3 – 6 are for finalists only

ENTRY

OVERVIEW

FIELD OF COMPETITION

Audiovisual screen-based artworks including video art, motion graphics, animation, games, films, or newly explored areas. Proposed works must be suitable for a single-channel video presentation

ELIGIBILITY

– Individuals or collectives whose work engages with the context of Asia
– Individuals or collectives of Asian descent, those based in Asia, and members of the Asian diaspora

FINALIST SELECTION

5 individuals or groups (collectives)
ENTRY SUBMISSION

APPLICATION SCHEDULE

– Application Period: 26 May 2026 – 21 July 2026
– Finalists Announcement: September 2026

HOW TO APPLY

Submit applications through VH AWARD official website (access “Entry Portal”)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS AND FILES

– All documents must be submitted in English
– Submitted work proposals should be formatted for single-channel screen display without requiring interactive capabilities
– Proposals must be for original artworks that have not been submitted to other competitions or awards, nor have been presented in any exhibitions or events
– Materials that cannot be properly verified will not be accepted

VIDEOPORTFOLIO FILM

– A video introduction to your practice and main works. This video should complement the artist statement and highlight the applicant’s artistic direction, technical approach, use of media or technology, and key thematic concerns. Maximum length: 3 minutes
– If not in English, English subtitles are required (either burnt-in or uploaded as a .vtt caption file)
– Accepted formats: .avi, .flv, .m4v, .mov, .mp4, .mpeg, .mpeg4, .mpg, .ogm, .ogx, .srt, .swf, .wmv

PDFCV & ARTIST STATEMENT

Maximum page: 3 pages, font size 11pt, submitted as a PDF file

VIDEO+PDFNEW ARTWORK PROPOSAL

a. Proposal document : Maximum page: 3 pages, font size 11pt, submitted as PDF
b. Reference video:
– A video serving as a visual reference for your proposal. This can include reference images or a rough storyboard. Maximum length: 1 minute
– Accepted formats: .avi, .flv, .m4v, .mov, .mp4, .mpeg, .mpeg4, .mpg, .ogm, .ogx, .wmv
– If the video is not in English, English subtitles are required (either burnt-in or uploaded as a .vtt caption file)
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
Participants should note that the following conditions may result in disqualification and withdrawal of any prizes awarded, with all associated legal responsibilities resting solely with the participant:
– Submission of any documents containing inaccuracies or false information
– Infringement of the copyrights or intellectual property rights of any third party
– Submission of materials that cannot be properly verified

BENEFIT

HONORARY MENTION

FEATURED ON WEBSITE

Recognized as “Honorary Mention” in the official award website

MASTERCLASSES AND MENTORING

Selected components of the Ars Electronica online program (Masterclasses and 1:1 mentoring session)
FINALISTS

PRODUCTION FUNDING

A grant of USD 30,000 will be awarded to each finalist to support the creation of their work

ONLINE RESIDENCY PROGRAM

– Ars Electronica online residency program including masterclasses and 1:1 mentoring sessions to develop the proposed artwork
– Networking opportunities with curators and fellow artists

EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS

Final artworks will be showcased across a range of global art platforms
GRAND PRIX

GRAND PRIX GRANT

The Grand Prix will be awarded to one individual or collective, accompanied by an additional grant of USD 30,000

Eyebeam aims to create a hub for conversation and practice-sharing that is aware of and responsive to systemic inequities and invests in the meaningful inclusion of historically marginalized groups and voices. Eyebeam is committed to and values diversity in its organization and programming as defined by gender, race, ethnicity, disability status, age, sexual orientation, immigrant status, and socioeconomic status. With a history of innovation and collaboration, Eyebeam’s programs are grounded in artist community dialogue. Eyebeam supports meaningful access to technology for everyone.

Professional Development Workshop: Eyebeam will provide professional development workshops, as applicable, to equip artists with the skills, knowledge, and tools necessary to enhance their professional growth and success.

Mentorship Sessions: Eyebeam will provide a supportive and guidance-rich environment where artists can explore their professional aspirations, challenges, and goals with an experienced mentor through Stop-Works. In these virtual sessions, gatherings for semi-private groups engage in conversation and feedback for development.

FAQ

Q.What is the purpose of the VH AWARD?
The VH AWARD is a global platform supporting Asia’s emerging media artists whose work engages with the context of Asia. Marking its seventh edition this year, the VH AWARD aims to encourage artists to share artistic experiments, amplify voices on diverse issues, and push the boundaries of audiovisual artworks to reflect on how we understand ourselves and one another in relation to the past, present and future.
Q.How many are selected?
A total of five finalists are selected among which one Grand Prix recipient is determined. This year, a new category “Honorary Mention” is introduced, selecting one or two additional applicants.
Q.What are the benefits of the VH AWARD?
Five finalists will be selected through the open call, each receiving a production grant of USD 30,000, an opportunity to participate in Ars Electronica online residency program, and exhibition opportunities across a range of global art platforms. Selected in 2027, the Grand Prix recipient will receive an additional grant of USD 30,000. Artists selected for the new category Honorary Mention will be invited to join selected components of the online residency program.
Q.Can I be disqualified after being selected as the five finalists?
Any applicant whose submitted document or work involves acts of counterfeiting or plagiarism will be disqualified from the final selection and may have their award cancelled. All applicants are fully responsible for ensuring their submissions comply with this policy.
Q.If I want to participate in a different residency program instead of Ars Electronica, am I allowed to do so?
No, the VH AWARD only supports participation in the Ars Electronica online residency program.
Q.Can I participate selectively in programs or choose a mentor during the Ars Electronica online residency?
It is mandatory for all five finalists to participate in all sessions of the Ars Electronica online residency, and individual selection of a mentor or a program is not allowed.
Q.Can I get information on the type of screen the artwork will be presented in advance?
Further details of the exhibitions and screening events will be announced separately to the five finalists in the future. You may find more information on the previous finalists’ exhibitions on ARCHIVE.
Q.When and where will the VH AWARD ceremony be held?
The 7th VH AWARD ceremony will be announced later on with further details.
Q.Are there any restrictions on the entries?
Submitted artworks must be original creations that have not been previously submitted to any other awards or the VH AWARD, or presented in other exhibitions or events.
Q.Can I apply more than once?
Each applicant may submit up to two entries for the 7th VH AWARD. (You cannot apply with the same artwork.)
Q.Can I submit an artwork I produced as a collective project as my portfolio?
Yes, but the projects should be indicated as collective artworks in your portfolio, and include the collective’s name and the production date of the artwork.
Q.Can I change the production direction of my artwork after being selected as the five finalists?
The finalists cannot change the production direction of their artworks after submitting the production plan.
Q.What are the evaluation criteria?
The evaluation criteria are ‘Artistic Vision and Originality’, ‘Context and Concept’, ‘Feasibility and Expected Quality’, and ‘Understanding and Employment of Technology’.
Q.I want to learn more about the VH AWARD Organizing Committee.
The VH AWARD is hosted by Hyundai Motor Group. If you have any inquiries, please contact the VH AWARD Organizing Committee via email: vhaward.official@gmail.com.
Q.Can I drop out during the artwork production support period after being selected as the five finalists?
If you wish to drop out due to personal reasons, please consult with the VH AWARD Organizing Committee via email: vhaward.official@gmail.com.
Q.If I decide to drop out, do I need to return the production fee?
By withdrawal due to personal reasons, please be noted that the received production fee has to be returned in full.