Prices for galleries and off-spaces

Course description

Since 2019, the City of Munich's Department of Culture has regularly awarded prizes to Munich galleries and off-spaces. Every year, three prizes are awarded alternately - one year to off-spaces and the following year to galleries.galleries, which represent Munich artists in particular, play a central role in communicating the current art scene in the City of Munich. They not only strengthen the regional perception of the local art scene, but also present the work of Munich artists at national and international fairs and events. Through their close collaboration with the artists, they create valuable connections between the local scene and an international audience. In this way, they contribute to the recognition of local artists and emphasise Munich's importance as an art location.2026, the Cultural Department of the City of Munich will award three prizes of 6,000 euros each to Munich galleries. This award recognises the prizewinners' commitment to the local art scene and young artists as well as the galleries' important work in promoting contemporary art. The focus is on the gallery's programme and commitment in the previous year

Prerequisites

all Munich galleries are invited to apply,

• that are based in the city centre of the City of Munich
• have been running a professional gallery for at least one year
• whose focus is on the primary market with contemporary art
• are active as a first gallery for living, primarily Munich-based artists
• operate a commercial art trade in Munich (changing exhibitions, unrestricted public accessibility, effective publicity measures to promote awareness of the artists permanently represented, placement of these artists' artworks in private and public collections and/or museums)
• investing in exhibitions, publications and trade fair appearances

Required documents

Please email your application to galerien_off-spaces@muenchen.de

Your application must be in PDF format (maximum 5 MB) and must include:

• a fully completed application form
• A description of the gallery and its conceptual focus (approximately 250 words)
• ​A portfolio showcasing the gallery’s exhibitions, projects and (digital) activities in 2025
• an overview of the Munich-based artists featured in the programme
• where applicable, professional references and reviews

All documents (including the application form) must be compiled into a single PDF file and submitted to the Department of Culture by the deadline. The PDF file must not exceed 5 MB in size.

Applications that are not submitted in full and by the deadline cannot be considered.

Please note that, for technical reasons, only one automatic confirmation of receipt can be configured per sender. This automatic email does not confirm whether the application has been submitted in full and by the deadline. If you do not receive an automatic confirmation of receipt within 30 minutes, please contact us immediately.

Legal basis

The award is decided by the City Council of the City of Munich in the Culture Committee on the recommendation of an expert jury.