All artists up to 35 may apply with their work without any restrictions concerning gender, nationality, race or artistic medium.

The artists apply through an open call via the Internet.

Additionally, 300 correspondent art experts from all over the world will nominate a minimum of two and a maximum of five candidates. The experts are curators, artists, critics and tutors at art colleges and academies. All artists apart from former Prize winners are eligible to apply multiple times, as long as they continue to fulfill the entry conditions.

A selection committee will review the applications and select up to twenty artists for the exhibition. The selection committee has the right to exclude applications which do not comply with the rules. The selection committee consists of experts on contemporary art. The members of the selection committee are put forward by the Jury. Each Jury member suggests one Committee member.