zabolis art prize
2026
Art competition
"VILNIUS POKER:
REALITY AS A GAME"
"VILNIUS POKER:
REALITY AS A GAME"
Richard Gavelis' novel Vilnius Poker is one of the boldest and most significant works of Lithuanian literature from the late 20th century, and it remains relevant to this day. The city in it is not a geographical location, but a field of consciousness and experience where truth and deception, control and human longing for freedom intertwine. The questions raised in the novel about the fragility of reality, the reliability of information, and the relationship between the individual and power are particularly important today, when our experience of reality is permeated by competing images and narratives. Therefore, Vilnius Poker functions not as a literary reference, but as an open structure, an impulse inviting dialogue with the present.
This year, the Zabolis Art Prize invites young painters to continue this dialogue, combining the ideas of the novel with the language of contemporary painting. The competition invites participants to unlock Vilnius Poker not by illustrating its plot, but by seeking points of contact between R. Gavelis' thinking and the inner state of contemporary man. Drawing on the personal experience of the artists and the ideas of the novel, painting will become a space for bold and visual reflection on the fragmented reality of today.
This year, the Zabolis Art Prize invites young painters to continue this dialogue, combining the ideas of the novel with the language of contemporary painting. The competition invites participants to unlock Vilnius Poker not by illustrating its plot, but by seeking points of contact between R. Gavelis' thinking and the inner state of contemporary man. Drawing on the personal experience of the artists and the ideas of the novel, painting will become a space for bold and visual reflection on the fragmented reality of today.
Zabolis Art Prize – is a creative initiative that has been running since 2009.
It focuses on the work of young artists in various fields. The aim of the competition is to encourage young artists to show their creativity, to compete in a healthy way, to learn from one another, to interpret a theme artistically, and to make the public aware of the younger generation of artists and their work.
20 finalists
Exhibition of the 20 finalists’ works will take place at the Titanikas Exhibition Halls.
In addition, all selected works and their authors will receive prizes and will be posted on the websites of Zabolis Partners and Vilnius Academy of Arts, as well as on the Zabolis Art Prize Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Once the committee has selected the winners, the three best entries will be announced on the 29th of April at the opening of the exhibition.
They will be awarded cash prizes of EUR 3.000 for first place, EUR 2.400 for second place, and EUR 2.000 for third place.
In addition, all selected works and their authors will receive prizes and will be posted on the websites of Zabolis Partners and Vilnius Academy of Arts, as well as on the Zabolis Art Prize Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Once the committee has selected the winners, the three best entries will be announced on the 29th of April at the opening of the exhibition.
They will be awarded cash prizes of EUR 3.000 for first place, EUR 2.400 for second place, and EUR 2.000 for third place.
LEARNING THROUGH EXPERIMENTATION AND COLLABORATION
Our Art Prize platform offers young artists a unique opportunity to challenge themselves, hone their skills, and grow as creatives in a nurturing environment. Through their participation, these artists exchange ideas with like-minded individuals from various backgrounds. We hope to empower them to discover new perspectives, experiment, and elevate their craft to unprecedented heights.
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO WIN THE ZABOLIS ART PRIZE?
Each year, we present a thought-provoking theme. This theme is designed to spark the artists’ imagination and challenge them to explore its depths. Some choose to amplify the theme in their work, others reduce it to its essence. Whatever their approach, we know from over a decade's experience that creativity flourishes when artists are confronted with intriguing concepts to work with.
The artists’ works are assessed by a committee based on their visual expressiveness, creative response to the theme, technical and conceptual originality, mastery of the chosen means of expression, and ability to present the work and the idea articulately.
The artists’ works are assessed by a committee based on their visual expressiveness, creative response to the theme, technical and conceptual originality, mastery of the chosen means of expression, and ability to present the work and the idea articulately.
WHAT DOES THE WINNER RECEIVE?
Financial prizes are awarded to the three best paintings in the competition. The works of all 20 finalists are exhibited at the Vilnius Academy of Arts. Furthermore, the works of all winners and finalists, along with a bio about the artist, are featured on the Zabolis Partners and Vilnius Academy of Arts websites, as well as on the Zabolis Art Prize Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Contact us
Do you have questions about the Zabolis Art Prize 2026, the application process, or the selection process? Please email us at artproject@zabolis.eu and we will respond as soon as possible.