What is un—realized?
A national art prize founded in Bern which highlights yet-to-be-realized visual art projects and finances the production of the winning project.
Why focus on the unrealized?
Many strong concepts remain invisible in the transition toward realization, and often, without financial support, never materialize. un—realized recognizes the idea itself as an independent artistic quality.
Where does the prize take place?
Starting in 2026, it will be hosted annually in different Swiss cities.
Who can apply?
Professional visual artists and collectives who live or work in Switzerland.
Are there age limits?
No.
Are students eligible?
Yes, provided a professional practice is evident.
Which fields are eligible?
Visual arts. Excluded are: commercial films, documentary films and performance.
Is the medium of film permitted?
Yes. Projects that use filmic elements or work with the medium of film are eligible—provided they clearly position themselves as visual, concept-based art and not as narrative or industry-oriented film productions. What matters is the artistic intention and how the project is situated within the field of contemporary visual art.
May I collaborate internationally?
Yes, however, the lead applicant must live or work in Switzerland.
How many submissions per person/collective?
One submission per open call.
Does a project with prototypes/sketches count as unrealized?
Yes, as long as the work has not been publicly realized/presented/published.
May I submit an older idea?
Yes—if it is still unrealized.
May I submit a further development of a previous proposal?
Yes.
Which documents are required?
Mandatory: project description (short and long version).
Optional (but encouraged): sketches, renderings, photos, video, audio, research material, prototypes, plans.
In which languages may I submit?
DE / FR / IT / EN
File formats and number of uploads?
Formats: images (JPG/PNG), video (MP4/MOV), audio (WAV/MP3), text (PDF/DOCX). Approx. max. 10 files (guideline).
Is a realization plan required?
Only if the project aims for the main prize (basic budget/timeline).
What are the evaluation criteria?
Nuance, Novelty, and Narrative: conceptual strength and originality, clarity, relevance and contribution, as well as feasibility within the available timeframe (relevant only for the main prize).
How does the selection process work?
First with pre-selection (in order to confirm eligibility). Then the jury will determine which projects to shortlist and eventually decide on the main prize.
How are conflicts of interest handled?
Disclosure and recusal of affected jury members.
Will I receive feedback?
Generally no individual feedback; statements on the shortlist/main prize will be published.
What does the main prize include?
CHF 20,000 to realize the project within six months, leading up to the final event.
What is the support prize?
Four grants of CHF 3,000 each.
Are additional third-party funds allowed?
Yes, co-funding is possible (please declare).
May the project already be planned for an exhibition or publication?
Yes, as long as the public presentation occurs after the prize’s final event (please declare).
Which costs are eligible?
Project-related costs (artist fees, production, materials, rental/loan, transport, technical needs, post-production, documentation, staff fees).
Which costs are generally not eligible?
Pure infrastructure/equipment without project relevance, ongoing operational costs, or private travel without project necessity.
May the concept change after the award?
Reasonable development is allowed; fundamental changes require consultation and may need re-evaluation.
What if realization fails?
Notify immediately; adjustments, postponement, or reversal will be decided together.
Who is responsible for rights, insurance, and safety?
Copyright remains with the artists. The artist is responsible for necessary insurance and safety requirements.
Who owns the rights to the work?
The artists. un—realized receives a non-exclusive license for communication/presentation and archiving in connection with un—realized, in both analog and digital formats (web, social media, print).
How are sensitive contents handled?
All legal requirements apply (personality rights, copyright, youth protection, safety regulations).
How is the shortlist presented?
Public presentation/publication of the concepts, primarily on the un—realized website (format depends on host venue).
When is the open call?
See website/newsletter (dates vary by edition).
When are decisions communicated?
Applicants will receive an update after the jury session has met. Once decisions are finalized the shortlist and main prize recipient will be published. Unselected submissions, of course, remain anonymous.
How is my data protected?
In accordance with applicable data protection laws; used only for prize administration and communication.
How is fairness ensured?
Fairness is fundamental. Consquently we ensure transparent criteria, diverse jury, recusal rules, documented processes, rotating jury and leadership.
Is AI-based art eligible?
Yes, provided it is conceptually grounded and rights/sources are clarified.
Is performance really never allowed?
The prize focuses on visual art. Performative elements may be part of a visual concept, but pure performance is excluded.