Ars viva is an annual art prize awarded by the Kulturkreis der deutschen Wirtschaft to emerging artists under the age of 35 who are living and working in Germany, regardless of nationality. Established in 1953, the prize was initiated to support artists in the aftermath of World War II, aiming to contribute to the development of contemporary art. Recipients are nominated and selected by a jury of professionals in the visual arts.
The award includes prize money and a series of exhibitions showcasing the winners' works at prominent German and international venues, accompanied by the publication of a bilingual exhibition catalog.
Over the decades, ars viva has recognized more than 350 artists, many of whom have achieved international acclaim, positioning the award as one of the most important art prizes in the Federal Republic of Germany. Notable recipients include Georg Baselitz, Anna Oppermann, Albert Oehlen, Rosemarie Trockel, Candida Höfer, Marina Abramović, Ulay, Thomas Ruff, Wolfgang Tillmans, John Bock, Thomas Demand, Omer Fast, Mariana Castillo Deball, Nina Canell, Sung Tieu, and Wisrah C. V. da R. Celestino.
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Residency
From 2016, all prize winners can participate in an artist residency in Canada due to the Fogo Island Arts residency program partnership with ars viva.
Award winners
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Note: The year refers to the year of the award ceremony. However, the award will be presented for the following year.
Exhibition history
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ars viva 2026: Marta Herford (March - June, 2026), Kunstverein Braunschweig (December, 2026 - February, 2027)
ars viva 2025: Kunsthalle Bremen (October 2024 - January 2025), Haus der Kunst (June - September, 2025)
ars viva 2024: Wilhelm-Hack-Museum (October - December, 2023)
ars viva 2023: Goethe-Institut Paris (September - November, 2022), Haus der Kunst (May - July, 2023)
ars viva 2022: Brücke-Museum (September - November, 2021), Kai Art Center (April - August, 2022)
ars viva 2021: Museum Angewandte Kunst (October, 2020 - March, 2021), Kunstverein Hannover (November, 2021 - January 2022)