Emerging Artist Competition

SAVAGE IS BACK!

Following a powerful inaugural competition, SAVAGE returns for its second year, building on its momentum and expanding its impact on a global stage.

Created to identify, celebrate, and invest in the next generation of artists from the African diaspora, SAVAGE provides emerging artists with meaningful opportunities for recognition, exhibition, mentorship, and career growth.

In 2027, we're expanding the vision.

The question is: Are YOU ready to be seen?

WHY APPLY?

$10,000
GRAND PRIZE

Cash awards up to $10,000

for winning artists.

GLOBAL
RECOGNITION

Gain exposure on an international platform and collectors worldwide.

EXHIBITION
OPPORTUNITY

Finalist's works exhibited at a premier

Art Melanated exhibition.

DISTINGUISHED
JURY

Have your work reviewed by an esteemed panel of collectors, curators, and art professionals.

ONE-YEAR
MENTORSHIP

Receive personalized guidance designed to support your artistic practice and professional growth.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT
& NETWORKING

Build meaningful connections with collectors, curators, institutions, and fellow artists.

HEAR FROM LAST YEAR'S FINALISTS

Devin Wesley

Winning the inaugural Savage competition has been one of the most meaningful milestones of my career to date. Beyond the recognition, it has introduced my work to collectors, curators, and voices within the contemporary art world. It has also helped place my work in collections across the country. Just as importantly, it has given me the confidence and support to continue expanding my studio practice.

Kim Alexis Newton

Being a finalist in the Art Melanated SAVAGE Emerging Artist Competition has been a transformative catalyst far beyond the exhibition and sales. Sol and Jennia have accelerated journey by connecting me with incredible mentors, collectors, curators, and fellow artists while expanding my network within the contemporary art community. The relationships, encouragement, and thoughtful feedback have affirmed my work, expanded my practice, and continue to open doors as I build my career as a fine artist.

Rikiesha Metzger

The SAVAGE Competition gave me exposure that has increased the visibility of my work among collectors while connecting me with a network of brilliant Black artists.

Beyond the visibility, it welcomed me into a community that genuinely invests in Black artists and our growth.

2027 CURATORIAL THEME:

UNLIMITED: What Becomes Possible When You Are Truly Free?

Freedom is humanity's oldest longing, the enduring desire to imagine beyond the limits of history, circumstance, and fear. Throughout time, art has carried that longing forward, not merely as an act of creation, but as an act of liberation. It is a way to question, to dream, and to envision what has not yet come to be.

This year's theme, UNLIMITED, invites artists from the African diaspora to explore the many dimensions of freedom, to question the limits of what is possible, and to imagine new ways of understanding ourselves, our communities, and our collective future.

We invite you to share work that reflects your unique vision, challenges convention, expands possibility, and speaks to what becomes possible when we are truly free.

APPLY NOW

VIEW GUIDELINES

HONORING AUGUSTA SAVAGE'S LEGACY

Named in honor of Augusta Savage, the pioneering sculptor, educator, and visionary whose unwavering commitment to supporting Black artists helped transform American art. In 1939, she founded the Salon of Contemporary Negro Art in Harlem, becoming the first Black American woman to establish and operate an art gallery dedicated to exhibiting the work of Black artists.

Savage believed that extraordinary talent deserved opportunity. Through her art, mentorship, and advocacy, she opened doors for generations of artists whose voices had too often been overlooked, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire creatives around the world.

Today, the SAVAGE Emerging Artist Competition proudly carries that legacy forward by identifying, celebrating, and investing in exceptional emerging artists from the African diaspora. Like its namesake, the competition exists to create pathways, expand visibility, and ensure that bold artistic voices are seen, supported, and celebrated on a global stage.

Searching for Augusta Savage. American Masters Shorts | PBS

Augusta Savage was the first person in the U.S. to open a gallery dedicated to African American art.

A Harlem Renaissance sculptor and art educator, she was also one of the first Black women art activists of her time and fought for the inclusion of Black artists in the mainstream canon.

In this video, art historian Jeffreen M. Hayes, Ph.D. explores Savage's legacy, and why her artwork has been largely erased.

Guidlines

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Applicants must:

Be 18 years of age or older.
Be actively developing their professional artistic practice and building national or international recognition.
Have not had a major solo museum exhibition.
Not be currently represented by a major commercial gallery.
Submit 3–5 original works in painting, drawing, mixed media, textile or sculpture.
Ensure all submitted works are available for exhibition and sale if selected.

Artists from anywhere in the world are encouraged to apply.

For complete eligibility criteria, submission requirements, and competition terms, click below to begin your application.

APPLY NOW

2026 SAVAGE HIGHLIGHTS

Opening Reception Recap. Band of Vices. Los Angeles.

Meet the 2026 SAVAGE Finalists.

MEET THE 2026 SAVAGE WINNERS

While prizes were awarded, what became abundantly clear is that every finalist is a winner. Each artist brought courage, originality, and a bold sense of authorship that reflects where contemporary art is headed.

We are proud to celebrate: