guidelines for viewers judging the competition

The Erarta Prize was founded as the first ever contemporary art prize awarded through a public vote rather than by a board of experts. This premise is consistent with Erarta’s core philosophy: art is being created by the artist, but it is the viewers’ perception that makes it truly powerful.

In 2026, the total prize value of 3.5 million rubles was distributed among the nominees according to the viewers’ judgement.

The vote was open to all supporters of the participating artists, including those who were not able to attend the show. All holders of valid Erarta Museum Tickets and Memberships had the option to vote in absentia. The 2026 Erarta Prize was awarded in two voting rounds: for each of them, every active Erarta Member and Ticket holder had one vote that could be cast in favour of the artwork of their choice.

The viewers judging the 2026 Erarta Prize enjoyed a new opportunity: not only did they have their say in the prize money distribution, but could also purchase their favourite artwork, lending additional support to its creator.

See you next year at the 2027 Erarta Prize!