Islamabad:
Gallery 6 Islamabad has opened a call for young artists from all over Pakistan to participate in the sixth edition of the Arjemand Painting Award (APA), a national biennial competition that recognizes and supports young painters.
Established in 2015, APA is the first art prize of its kind instituted by a private gallery in Pakistan, which offers considerable prizes in cash and national visibility. The award aims to celebrate originality and excellence in painting among young Pakistani artists. Four cash awards have been announced with RS400,000 assigned for the first prize, RS300,000 for the second prize, RS200,000 for the third prize and a merit prize for RS50,000. In addition to the prize money, selected participants can also be offered art residences, exhibitions and promotion opportunities in both Pakistan and abroad.
All artists aged 20 to 45, residing in Pakistan, are eligible to apply. Each applicant may present a paint, completed in 2024 or 2025. The works that are produced digital or mechanically, or only drawings, are not eligible. The deadline for presenting paint images by email is September 26, 2025. Details and shipping forms are available on the pages of Gallery 6 of Facebook and Instagram.
The Arjemand Painting award has constantly grown up in stature since its inception. The previous editions have attracted a wide participation of the whole country and have played an important role in launching the careers of many young artists. The prize is widely considered as a credible and transparent platform to identify and promote emerging talent.
The artist and educator RM Naeem pointed out: “Gallery 6 is an important player in the Pakistan art scene. The institution of APA is a commendable step to recognize and foster Pakistani art, judged by a highly reputable jury.” The art critic Aasim Akhtar described the award as “a promising event that not only guides young artists, but gives them respect and encouragement to continue their practice.”
The artist and former professor at the University of Karachi, Durriya Kazi, emphasized the importance of the award by providing support to artists who browse a world of rapid globalization.
This year, to further improve the scope of the Arjemand Painting award, it is being supported by three collaborating partners, Nighat Ali, a Lahore art pattern, the Erichawn Art Fund, established in the memory of the late economist and activist Aly Alp Erchawn and Millat Traactors Limited. The organizers encourage generalized participation, both from artists based in cities and regions outside the established art centers in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore. The prize continues to provide a unique opportunity for self -taught and formally trained artists to obtain national recognition.
