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 art 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.

The City of Munich's Department of Culture will award three prizes of 6,000 euros each to Munich galleries in 2026. 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 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 send your application by e-mail to galerien_off-spaces@muenchen.de

Your application must be a PDF file ( max. 5 MB):

• fully completed application form
• Presentation of the gallery and its conceptual orientation (approx. 250 words)
• Portfolio with exhibitions, projects and (digital) activities of the gallery in 2025
• an overview of the Munich artists represented in the programme
• professional references and reviews, if applicable

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

Closing date for submissions: Monday, 18 May 2026, 11:59 pm

After sending your e-mail, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt from us. Please note that for technical reasons, an automatic confirmation of receipt can only be sent once per sender. The automatic reply does not confirm whether your application has been submitted correctly and in full. If you do not receive an automatic confirmation of receipt within 30 minutes, please contact us.

Legal basis

The City Council of the City of Munich will decide on the award in the Culture Committee on the recommendation of an expert jury.

You will receive written notification shortly after the jury procedure has been completed and the City Council has made its decision. Please refrain from making further enquiries.