Orlando Museum of Art Unveils Artist Lineup for Florida Prize in Contemporary Art

- Michelle Snow

Florida Prize in Contemporary Art

The Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) has announced the artist lineup for the 2026 Florida Prize in Contemporary Art, on view May 30 through August 23, 2026.

Now in its 12th edition, this annual exhibition brings together some of the most compelling artists working across Florida and offers a snapshot of the state’s cultural vitality through diverse practices, perspectives and forms.

This year’s exhibition will feature the largest number of selected artists in Florida Prize history, with 12 artists represented, including two collaborative duos. The 2026 Florida Prize artists are:

  • Maria Theresa Barbist
  • Rose Marie Cromwell
  • Jason Hackenwerth
  • Katie Hargrave & Meredith Laura Lynn
  • Francisco Masó
  • Jessy Nite
  • Charo Oquet
  • Ema Ri
  • Mette TommerupWe Are Nice’n Easy (Allison Matherly & Jeffrey Noble)

The Florida Prize in Contemporary Art was established by OMA to bring new recognition to the most progressive artists in the state. Each year, OMA’s curatorial team surveys artists working throughout Florida before selecting a group whose practices reflect the breadth, urgency and originality of contemporary art being made today.

“This year’s Florida Prize brings together an exceptional group of artists whose practices are distinct in form, yet deeply resonant in the ideas they explore,” said Coralie Claeysen-Gleyzon, chief curator of OMA. “Across the exhibition, we see artists engaging with language, systems of communication, coded meaning, spirituality, heritage and memory. Their works invite audiences into rich visual worlds that are both deeply personal and powerfully relatable.”

Before the opening of the exhibition, a ticketed preview party will be held on Friday, May 29, from 6 to 9 p.m. During the event, one artist will be awarded the $20,000 Florida Prize, chosen by this year’s invited juror Jade Powers, The Hugh Kaul Curator of Contemporary Art at the Birmingham Museum of Art. This event will also showcase the culinary talents of local restaurants and caterers. Each participating chef will create a dish inspired by and paired with one of the Florida Prize artists or duos.

In addition, guests will also be invited to vote all summer long for their favorite artist to earn the People’s Choice Award, which carries a $2,500 prize.

For more information, visit OMArt.org.

About Michelle Snow

Michelle is the owner and editor of CitySurfing Orlando. She also owns Zengrrl.com, is a freelance writer specializing in travel and entertainment, has authored/co-authored four guidebooks on Orlando and Florida, and was head editor/writer at TheDisneyBlog.com for 10 years. She's lived in Orlando near Walt Disney World since 1995, and still finds there's so much fun to be had in Central Florida.
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