The second annual international Awards for Art Criticism - IAAC - are open to candidates of any age from anywhere in the world, writing in Chinese or English about any contemporary art exhibition held between 20 September 2014 and 20 September 2015.

The International Awards of Art Criticism (IAAC) will be hosted by an International Board, adjudicated by and international jury and organised by the Shanghai 21st Century Minsheng Art Museum (M21), in partnership with the Royal College of Art, London. The principal sponsor is the China Minsheng Banking Corporation Ltd (CMBC). The International Awards for Art Criticism aim to support independent critical coverage of contemporary art, away from the immediate pressures of the market, media and private patronage. They seek to stimulate good writing, critical thinking, dialogue and research in China, the UK and wider afield.

The objectivity of the selection process is underpinned, both by the recognised professionalism of the Chinese and English-speaking jury members and by the strict anonymity of the judging process. The Awards will be hosted by an International Board adjudicated by international jury members such as Dr.Marek Bartelik , Catherine David, Dieter von Graffenried , Li Pi and Lee Yongwoo .

The First Prize will consist of a cash award of 6,000 Euros and a short-term residency in Shanghai. The two Second Prizes – one each, for an essay in Chinese or English – will consist of a cash award of 2,000 Euros.

Deadline for entries: 15 October 2015