Artist Of The Year 2026: A Look At The Submissions We Have Received So Far
Every year, we come across artists who make us pause, look a little closer, and see the world differently through their work. Some bring fresh perspectives to familiar subjects, others experiment with unexpected materials and ideas, while many remind us of the beauty of simply creating something that feels true to who they are. And every year, we find ourselves wanting to bring these creative voices together in a way that allows us to celebrate them beyond a fleeting moment online.
At Arts to Hearts Project, we believe that the artists who shape a year deserve to be remembered. That is why we created Artist Of The Year, an annual publishing initiative that brings together 100 artists in a beautifully curated hardcover book. Each edition becomes a little time capsule of contemporary art, capturing the people, ideas, and creative practices that made that particular year special.
With our 2026 edition, themed Open, we wanted to make room for every kind of artistic expression. We invited artists from around the world to share work that represents their creative vision, without the boundaries of a fixed subject or medium. And the response so far has been wonderful!
We have been receiving submissions from artists working across different mediums, exploring unique subjects, and bringing their own perspectives to the art world. As we go through the submissions, we are excited by the variety of work coming our way and the many stories behind each piece.
So, before we reach the final selection, we wanted to take a moment to share a glimpse of the artwork and artists who have submitted their work for Artist Of The Year 2026 so far. This is a celebration of the creative community coming together, and we are delighted to have you be a part of it.
A Glimpse Into This Year’s Award’s Creative Voices
Here are just 10 submissions from the many wonderful artworks we have received so far, offering a little glimpse into the creativity, thought, and imagination artists are bringing to this year’s edition. Each submission gives us another reason to look closer, discover something new, and appreciate the many ways artists are expressing themselves.
And honestly, we are loving what we are seeing! Thank you to everyone who has already shared their work with us. We are excited to see more of your ideas, experiments, and creative stories come through.
If you have been thinking about submitting, this is your little reminder that there is still time! You have 10 more days to be part of Artist Of The Year 2026. We would love to see what you have been creating, so don’t wait until the last minute. Send your work our way and join us in making this year’s edition a celebration of the artists who made 2026 a year worth remembering.
1. Kicking Up Dust by Rorie Tafoya
2. Before It Comes by Mark Bevan
3. The Future Is Now by Linda Post
4. Three Words For by Minjee Kim
5. Pandora by Stephanie Le Roy
6. Beneath the Whispering Sky by Stephen Von Mason
7. What I Don’t Say by Jennifer Frances
8. FREEDOM IS CALLING by Georgia Williams
9. Inner Fire by Martin Okkerse
10. Holding My Hearts by Christos Kakoulli
Who Can Apply?
Artist Of The Year 2026 is open to artists from all around the world, working across different mediums, styles, and creative disciplines. Whether you are a painter, photographer, illustrator, sculptor, mixed-media artist, or work in another creative medium, we would love to see what you are making.
We welcome both emerging and established artists, and there is no requirement to have a particular number of exhibitions, awards, or years of professional experience behind you. What matters is the work you want to share and the creative perspective you bring to it.
This year’s theme, Open, leaves plenty of room for interpretation. You can submit work that reflects your current artistic practice, explores an idea you have been thinking about, or represents a direction you are excited to take next. If you have work you feel deserves a place in a book celebrating contemporary artists, we encourage you to apply.
What’s In It For Artists?
Being part of Artist Of The Year is an opportunity to have your work documented in a professionally curated hardcover art book alongside 99 other selected artists from around the world. It is something you can return to, share, and keep as part of your creative journey, long after the year has passed.
For artists, having work featured in a print publication also offers a tangible way to present their practice. It gives you something meaningful to add to your portfolio, share with galleries, collectors, fellow artists, and your creative community, and look back on as a record of where your work was at this point in your journey.
The 2026 edition will be curated by Jennifer Rizzo, bringing another thoughtful perspective to the selection process. Alongside the publication opportunity, selected artists will be part of a collective that celebrates different voices and approaches to contemporary art.
Most importantly, it is a chance to see your work become part of a larger story: a book that brings together 100 artists and captures the creative energy of 2026.
The Clock Is Ticking!
We are now in the final stretch, and there are only 10 days left to submit your work for Artist Of The Year 2026! The deadline is November 15, 2026, and we would hate for you to miss the opportunity simply because you kept waiting for the right moment.
If you have an artwork that represents your practice, an idea you have been exploring, or a piece you feel deserves to be shared with a wider audience, this is the time to send it our way. Remember, the theme is Open, so you don’t need to create something specifically for this call. We want to see the work that feels most like you.
We are looking forward to discovering more artists, welcoming new creative voices, and bringing together 100 artists for a book that celebrates the art being made today.
Don’t let the countdown pass you by. We would love to see your submission!
