Art Basel has announced the winners of its first-ever Art Basel Awards, a new global honors program recognizing excellence across the contemporary art world. The 36 medalists include artists such as David Hammons, Lubaina Himid, Joan Jonas, and Adrian Piper, as well as patrons, curators, museums, and other art-world figures. The awards were unveiled at a press event in New York, with CEO Noah Horowitz and director Vincenzo de Bellis outlining the structure: medalists will later select 12 gold medalists, with up to six artists receiving $50,000 each and a commission for the 2026 Art Basel fair. The jury includes prominent museum directors and curators from around the world.
The Art Basel Awards matter because they represent the first major attempt to create a prestigious, industry-wide honors system for the visual art world, akin to the Oscars or Grammys in other creative fields. By formalizing recognition across artists, patrons, institutions, and other contributors, Art Basel is positioning itself as a central arbiter of artistic excellence and influence. The awards also provide significant financial support and visibility to both established and emerging artists, potentially reshaping how the art world celebrates achievement and fosters future talent.