2026 Vera List Prize for Writing on the Visual Arts

April 6, 2026
MIT Community
Detail image of many file folders in a row. There is one label tab highlighted with black bolded text. The text reads "Reason"

Erica Baum, Untitled (Reason), 1997. Student Lending Art Collection. Courtesy of the artist and Bureau Inc.

Day & Time

The MIT List Visual Arts Center is pleased to sponsor the 2026 Vera List Prize for Writing on the Visual Arts.

This writing contest is part of the 2026 Karmel Writing Prizes and is open to MIT undergraduate and graduate students. We are seeking submissions from students writing in an accessible forum about contemporary art and culture today. Essays and interviews should be a maximum of 15 pages. Sponsored by the List Visual Arts Center.

The deadline for submissions is Monday, April 6, 2026. Before applying please review the submission guidelines. 

Read the essays from past Award Recipients here.

Awards

$700 First prize; $500 Second prize for both undergraduate and graduate students.