The Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas has awarded its 2027 Nasher Prize to Petrit Halilaj, a Kosovo-born sculptor known for works addressing his country's history and sociopolitical realities. At 40, Halilaj is the youngest recipient of the prize since its 2015 inception. The award, now given biannually, includes $100,000 and a future exhibition at the Nasher. In an unusual gesture, Halilaj will donate the entire prize purse to the Hajde! Foundation, a Kosovo-based nonprofit he co-founded in 2014 to support Kosovar artists.
The prize underscores Halilaj's rising prominence in the contemporary art world, marked by major biennial appearances and solo shows at institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Hamburger Bahnhof. His decision to redirect the funds to support artists from his home region highlights the ongoing importance of grassroots cultural infrastructure in post-conflict areas. The award also reflects the Nasher Prize jury's commitment to recognizing artists who blend formal innovation with deep social engagement, a direction increasingly valued in the global sculpture field.