New Salem Museum and Academy of Fine Art International Painting Competition (Due Feb. 15)
New Salem Museum and Academy of Fine Art International Painting Competition
Deadline: February 15th, 2026
The NSMA International Painting Competition is a celebration of artistic excellence, inviting artists around the world to showcase the finest in contemporary realist painting. This competition stands as a testament to the enduring allure and expressive power of representational painting. It provides artists with a prestigious platform to showcase their talent, engage with their peers, and contribute to the rich tapestry of representational art.
The competition, with its emphasis on artistic excellence, integrity, and engagement with peers, is designed to stand as a radiant beacon within the contemporary representational art movement.
Focusing on contemporary realism in painting, this yearly competition is intended to serve as a beacon for the highest standards in representational art, motivating the next generation of artists to reach for ever higher quality and impact in their work. All subject matter is welcome - figurative, landscape, still life, etc., and all painting mediums are welcome - oil, watercolor, acrylic, gouache, tempera, etc.
NSMA is seeking work that reflects not only exceptional technical proficiency but also a deeply felt artistic vision; it is in the fusion of these elements that the true power of representational painting emerges. In this competition, artistic spirit and technical mastery are not in opposition, but rather animate and elevate one another – resulting in a selection of works that are both formally rigorous and emotionally resonant.
ACQUISITION AWARD: $35,000
The winning artist will be awarded a grand prize of $35,000 and the painting will join the rotating permanent collection at NSMA.
DIRECTOR’S CHOICE AWARD
We are thrilled to announce that NSMA is collaborating with @mhpaints as this year’s exclusive sponsor to offer $2,500 in fine artist oil paints! Michael Harding is renowned for making some of the finest quality oil paints in the world. This award will be chosen by NSMA Director, painter Michael Klein, at the Awards Gala.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
NSMA will also host a People’s Choice Award. Voting will be open to all museum visitors during the length of the three month finalist exhibition, and the winner will receive $2,500.