JK Paper Award for the Arts, 2027

Edition Overview

Now in its fourth edition, the JK Paper Award for the Arts: Propositions in Paper continues to support practices that are process-oriented, independent and enriching in their engagement with paper as a material. Each edition recognises one winner and three honourable mentions.

Application Deadline
20 August 2026

Eligibility

1. Open to practitioners of Indian nationality under the age of 40.

2. Works on paper including drawing, painting, sculpture, installation, mixed media and interdisciplinary artistic explorations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can apply?
   The award is open to practitioners of Indian nationality under the age of 40.

   
   

2. Can I apply if I have previously applied or been awarded?
   Previous applicants are welcome to reapply. If you have previously received the JK Paper Award or Certificate of Recognition, you are not eligible to apply again.

   
   

3. Who selects the award?
   Each year, Anant Foundation for the Arts empanels an external jury of three members to review applications and select the awardees. The jury composition for 2027 will be announced in due course.

   
   

4. What counts as paper-based work?
   Paper-based work refers to any practice in which paper is a primary medium or material and not merely a surface for documentation or reproduction. This includes drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, installation and mixed media works where paper plays a central role in the making, concept or material logic of the piece. Works that incorporate paper alongside other materials are welcome, provided paper is integral rather than incidental to the work.

   
   

5. Are works in printmaking or photography accepted?
   We do not accept works purely in printmaking or photography. Applications in mixed media and interdisciplinary practices where paper is the primary medium are welcome.

   
   

6. Can I submit works on canvas or other non-paper mediums?
   Submissions are strictly limited to paper-based works.

   
   

7. Can I submit works that have been previously exhibited?
   Yes. Your portfolio may include works that have been previously shown.

   
   

8. How many works can I submit?
   Your portfolio should contain no more than 12 images of paper-based works, accompanied by a concept note and artist statement.

   
   

9. Will I receive feedback on my application?
   Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to provide individual feedback.

   
   

10. When do the residencies take place, and is attendance mandatory?
    Residencies will take place in the first half of 2027. Awardees are expected to be present at the residency site for the entire duration. Please factor this into your application.

    
    

11. Where do the residencies take place?
    The winner attends a solo residency at the Jaipur Centre for Art and the three honourable mentions attend a group residency at Takshila Art Studios, Siwan. Click on the respective residency pages to learn more.

    
    

12. How long are the residencies?
    All the residencies are approximately four weeks.

    
    

13. When will the results be announced?
    Results will be announced in January 2027.

For any further questions about the application process or the award, please write to submissions@anantfoundation.art

Award Partners

JK Paper Ltd

Partner

Jaipur Centre for Art

Residency Partner

Arthshila

Residency Partner

Anant Art

Exhibition Partner