The Igor Zabel Award for Culture and Theory honours outstanding achievements in the field of visual arts that demonstrate visionary thinking and lasting cultural impact. The award recognises the exceptional accomplishments of curators, art historians, theorists, and art writers whose work supports, develops, or investigates visual arts in Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe. Rooted in this region, the award aims to foster its global relevance, encourage transregional dialogue, and inspire broader cultural engagement.

Named in honour of the distinguished Slovenian curator and art historian Igor Zabel (1958–2005), the award has been conferred biennially since 2008 in cooperation with the initiator of the award, ERSTE Foundation (Vienna), and the Igor Zabel Association (Ljubljana). This year’s award ceremony will take place at the Museum of Modern Art in Ljubljana, Slovenia, on Friday, 27 November. The ceremony will be accompanied by a supporting programme on 26 and 27 November. Follow us to stay updated!