The Augustinum Stiftung has awarded the euward every three years since 2000. This distinction is the most important award internationally for art in the context of mental disability. Its goal is to promote unknown artists and to make their creativity accessible to the public.

A jury of renowned professionals chooses three prizewinners from entries submitted from across Europe. They receive an exhibition of their works in the Haus der Kunst in Munich. They are also supported with cash prizes and a catalogue of their works, totalling €25,000 in value.

The art of persons with a mental disability has developed strongly in recent years. Alongside the tradition of “Art Brut” or “Outsider Art”, it now forms a new artistic scene. “Supervised studios” often provide the conditions that the talents need to realise themselves as freelance artists.

euward’s aspiration is to reveal the artistic quality in the work of these cultural outsiders. The award makes clear their importance for our culture. Their artistic creations are a vital impulse in contemporary art. Purely social aspects do not play a role.