The LOEWE Foundation Craft Prize 2027 has officially opened its call for entries, inviting professional artisans worldwide, including those in Paraguay, to submit their work for the prestigious international award. Applications for the tenth edition of the prize began on July 8, 2026, and will close on October 15, 2026, at 23:59 CET.
Inspired by LOEWE’s own origins as an artisanal workshop, the prize aims to recognize excellence, artistic merit, and innovation across all forms of craft. The winning artisan will receive a prize of €50,000, while two special mentions will each be awarded €5,000. The works of thirty shortlisted finalists will be featured in a physical exhibition in Europe during Spring 2027, alongside a digital exhibition, offering significant international exposure.
LOEWE Craft Prize 2027: Applications Open for Global Artisans
The LOEWE Foundation launched its annual Craft Prize in 2016, drawing inspiration from the brand's artisanal beginnings, to celebrate outstanding work in contemporary craft. This tenth edition continues its mission to highlight originality, technical skill, and a strong artistic vision among professional artisans globally. The prize serves as a significant international platform, offering recognition and exposure to talented makers.
The competition has consistently demonstrated its international reach, with the 2026 edition receiving over 5,100 applications from more than 133 countries and regions. From these, a jury selected 30 finalists whose works were exhibited at Singapore’s National Gallery and featured in a digital exhibition. The 2027 prize will culminate in an award ceremony in Europe in Spring 2027, accompanied by an exhibition of the shortlisted works, further amplifying the global presence of contemporary craft.
Eligibility Requirements: Who Can Apply?
The LOEWE Foundation Craft Prize is open to a broad spectrum of artisans, emphasizing professional dedication over specific career milestones. All participants must be 18 years of age or older, and the prize welcomes entries from individuals of any nationality, without restrictions based on gender or country of origin, according to the LOEWE Foundation's official rules.
The term "professional artisan" is defined by a dedication to crafts as a profession, actively participating in exhibitions, galleries, fairs, or educational programs. It is important to note that an artisan does not necessarily need to earn their entire living solely from their craft to qualify. Submissions can be made by an individual or a collective group of makers, but not by a company. Crucially, the applicant must also be the maker of the work presented; subcontracting the making process is not permitted, as clarified in the prize's frequently asked questions.
Work Specifications: Defining 'Innovative Craft'
The LOEWE Craft Prize seeks works that demonstrate exceptional aesthetic value, artistic vision, and technical proficiency. Submitted pieces must be original, handmade or partly handmade, and one-of-a-kind. To ensure contemporary relevance, the work must have been created within the last five years. The prize emphasizes that the work should not be a mass-produced item.
While traditional crafts are deeply valued, the prize specifically targets modern and innovative craft. Works should update tradition with an artistic vision, making them relevant today, and fall within the applied arts. The emphasis is less on whether an object fits a recognized craft category and more on how the material and technique demonstrate artistic intent and innovation. Works that have been previously submitted to other contests but did not win an award are eligible, provided they meet all other requirements. However, works selected as finalists in previous editions of the LOEWE Craft Prize will not be accepted.
Step-by-Step Application Process and Required Materials
The application process for the LOEWE Craft Prize 2027 is conducted exclusively online through the official LOEWE Craft Prize website. Submissions sent via email will not be considered. All application information must be completed in English, as specified by the LOEWE Foundation.
Applicants do not need to complete the form in a single session, as the information is automatically saved, allowing for multiple modifications before the final submission. Once an entry is submitted, however, no further changes can be made. The application requires several key components:
- Photographs: Two to five high-resolution photographs of the submitted work are essential to showcase its detail and quality.
- Optional Video: Applicants may include an optional video to provide a dynamic view of their creation.
- Biography: A short biography detailing the applicant's consistent making practice, exhibition history, and professional activities.
- Portfolio: A portfolio showcasing up to five additional pieces of work, offering a broader view of the artisan's skill and style.
- Work Details: Specific information about the entered work, including materials, dimensions, and creation date.
- Identification: Applicant identification details.
- Conceptual and Technical Statement: A concise statement of no more than 200 words. This statement is crucial for explaining the work's artistic intent, the materials and techniques used, and how it embodies innovation and originality.
The Jury's Focus: Quality, Originality, and Artistic Vision
The LOEWE Foundation Craft Prize jury, composed of leading figures from the worlds of design, architecture, art, and craft, prioritizes the intrinsic quality and originality of each submission. The selection process focuses on artistic merit and innovation, rather than an artist’s career history or established reputation, according to information from The Asunción Times and the LOEWE Foundation.
The jury seeks objects of superior aesthetic value that demonstrate a strong artistic vision and technical mastery. The conceptual and technical statement is a critical component, as it allows artisans to articulate how their chosen materials and techniques contribute to the work's innovative character and artistic intent. This approach ensures that the prize champions contemporary craft that pushes boundaries while honoring traditional skills, aligning with the LOEWE Foundation's goal to support international artisans who create objects of superior aesthetic value.
LOEWE Craft Prize 2027 Application Checklist
| Requirement Category | Detail | Clarification/Definition |
|---|---|---|
| Applicant Eligibility | Age | Applicants must be 18 years of age or older. |
| Applicant Eligibility | Nationality | The prize is international and open to artisans of all nationalities. |
| Applicant Eligibility | Professional Status | A 'professional artisan' is dedicated to crafts as a profession and active in exhibitions, galleries, fairs, or educational programs, but does not necessarily need to make a living solely from craft. |
| Work Requirements | Originality & Creation Date | Submitted work must be original, handmade or partly handmade, one-of-a-kind, and created within the last five years. |
| Work Requirements | Innovation & Artistic Intent | Work must be modern and innovative, demonstrating artistic vision, technical proficiency, and updating tradition, falling within the applied arts. |
| Submission Process | Method & Language | Applications are online-only, must be submitted in English, and require 2-5 high-resolution photographs, an optional video, and a brief conceptual statement. |
| Submission Process | Conceptual Statement | The conceptual statement should be concise and explain the work's artistic intent, materials, techniques, and how it embodies innovation and originality. |
| Judging Philosophy | Prioritization | The selection process prioritizes the quality and originality of each submission, along with artistic merit and innovation, rather than an artist’s career history. |
Prepare Your Submission by October 15, 2026
Artisans interested in the LOEWE Craft Prize 2027 should meticulously review all eligibility and submission requirements, focusing on the originality, artistic intent, and innovative aspects of their work, and prepare their online application before the deadline. A successful submission will be confirmed by a confirmation email from the LOEWE Foundation Craft Prize online portal.
