The Altice Foundation has just launched a new prize to recognise and value Portuguese artists or those living in Portugal. With a focus on contemporary artistic languages, the Norberto Fernandes Prize seeks to support authors who contribute to the national cultural and aesthetic identity through original and innovative proposals – a tribute to the Foundation’s first administrator, who was himself a spokesperson for a more creative, digital and sustainable society. Thus, with a total amount of 40,000 euros, this initiative will recognise projects in the area of plastic arts, in two categories.

Firstly, focusing on the increasingly complex intersections between Art and Technology, the Foundation will award a prize of 15,000 euros in cash and 15,000 euros in purchases of works for the original project that, in the most unique way, incorporates the technological issue into its material execution and/or conceptual reflection.

Then, with special attention to the paths of young artists, whose careers are in the process of being recognised, the Foundation will award the original proposal of a creator, up to the age of 35, with the monetary value of 5,000 euros, as well as a further 5,000 euros in the purchase of works.

The applications will first be analysed by the Norberto Fernandes Prize evaluation and monitoring committee, which will select a group of finalists. The works on this shortlist will be exhibited in a public space in Lisbon. Subsequently, these projects will be assessed by the Prize jury, made up of three leading figures from the artistic and academic world, as well as a member of the Altice Foundation. A public ceremony, with a date and venue to be announced, will publicise the winning proposals and artists.

Applications can be submitted until 1 March 2024, in accordance with the regulations and using the form available on the Altice Foundation website.