The Meridian Award is an independent international award that grants a $1,000 unrestricted cash prize to one contemporary artist working in any medium. It supports self-directed contemporary practices and welcomes submissions from artists aged 18 and over worldwide, with no restrictions on nationality, location, education or professional status. Artists are chosen through an open call and a juried review of their portfolios, judged on artistic merit, clarity of vision and the strength of a distinct perspective. Each cycle recognizes one winner and two finalists, who are all invited to an online interview featured on the award's website and Instagram. The award accepts painting, drawing, digital art, sculpture, photography, print-based and textile-based media, performance, sound art, video art and interdisciplinary practices.