The contest is open to independent, professional artists who were under 35 years of age on 1 January 2010. Artists without formal training may also compete provided that they were aged 24 or older on 1 January 2010. Applicants who are not Dutch nationals must be in possession of a valid Dutch residence permit and have lasting ties with the Netherlands. Students enrolled at an art academy at the time of the awards ceremony (October 2010) are not eligible to enter this year. Artists who have previously won a Royal Award may enter the competition again provided they were under 30 years of age on 1 January 2010. Any person who has won a Royal Award on three occasions may not compete again. Artists who receive a grant under the WWIK scheme should note that winning a prize might affect their entitlement to the grant.

The four winning artists will receive a non tax-deductible award of 6000,-  euros.

The jury will nominate the prizewinners on the basis of paintings entered for the competition. A selection of the contestants’ works will be shown in the exhibition held in conjunction with the Royal Awards. Artists whose work is included in the exhibition will be invited to the opening of the exhibition and the Royal Awards ceremony.

Public Award: visitors to the exhibition may vote for the work they like best. Those who voted for the most popular artist then take part in a lottery for a work by that artist. The artist will either make one of his or her paintings available or execute one for the winner of the lottery. The cost (up to 2300,- euros) will be covered by the Amsterdam Royal Palace Foundation.

The awards ceremony and the opening of the exhibition will take place at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam in early October 2010.

The event is organised by the Amsterdam Royal Palace Foundation.

Closing date for applications: 15 May 2010