Orlando Museum of Art announces Artist Lineup in its 2025 Florida Prize in Contemporary Art

Ten Florida-based artists have been recognized as the most progressive artists in the state.

The Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) has announced the artist lineup for this year’s Florida Prize in Contemporary Art. As a survey exhibition, Florida Prize annually brings together artists of diverse backgrounds and varying practices. It is a snapshot of the state’s cultural vitality seen through some of the most compelling work being done here and now. 

Florida Prize is organized by the museum to bring new recognition to the most progressive artists in the state. Each year, OMA’s curatorial team surveys artists working throughout Florida before inviting ten to participate. 

This year will mark the eleventh edition of the Florida Prize in Contemporary Art. Selected artists are Nathalie Alfonso, Eddie Arroyo, Leo Castañeda, Kelly Joy Ladd, Amanda Linares, Kandy G. Lopez, Jiha Moon, Troy Simmons, Cornelius Tulloch, and Lisu Vega.   

Artists range from emerging to mid-career, often with distinguished records of exhibitions and awards that reflect recognition at national and international levels. In all cases, they are artists who are engaged in exploring significant ideas of art and culture in original and visually exciting ways. 

“Florida Prize underscores the commitment of the museum to the art of our time, in addition to supporting artists who live and work in our state,” said Cathryn Mattson, Orlando Museum of Art CEO. 

Artists present multiple works from recent years or large-scale installations created on-site that give visitors a fuller understanding of their vision and accomplishment. 

Keep up to date with all the latest museum and gallery news from Central Florida.

“This year’s Florida Prize artists address such pertinent and timely topics as our connections with ancestry, personal and collective memory, and the ties that bind us together. They also explore our fusional relationship with the urban environment, decay, gentrification, place-making, and belonging, as well as the virtual realm,” said Coralie Claeysen-Gleyzon, OMA Chief Curator. “But more than anything, they share the unique voices of ten artists who express poignant and impactful narratives in a plethora of mediums from textile to painting, immersive virtual projections to site-specific installations, ceramics, and drawing.”        

The exhibition opening preview party will take place on Friday, May 30, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. One artist will be selected to receive a $20,000 prize, which will be announced at the opening party. Guests will have the opportunity to cast a "People's Choice" vote for their favorite artist, which includes a $2,500 award. This year, the People’s Choice award will be announced at the end of the summer to allow the public to vote all summer long. 

As in previous iterations, this highly popular ticketed event will feature a sampling of the culinary artistry of ten restaurants and caterers. Each chef offering a dish will be paired with and inspired by one of the ten Florida Prize artists.  

For more information on the Florida Prize in Contemporary Art, the artists, OMA’s sponsors, and the opening preview party, please visit www.omart.org.

Funds from the event will support the Florida Prize exhibition and education programs.   

About the Orlando Museum of Art:

Founded in 1924, the Orlando Museum of Art is a leading cultural institution in the Southeast, dedicated to stimulating creativity and intellectual curiosity by connecting people from all backgrounds and experiences with compelling art and new ideas.

Keep up to date with all the latest news, and never miss anything happening in Orlando!

Gotta Go Orlando is your local source for the latest entertainment news, events and things to do in the Orlando area. We feature the latest concerts, theater news, arts & culture, nightlife, food & drink. theme parks, attractions, festivals, events, and so much more.

To be sure you don't miss the latest happenings in Orlando, sign up for our newsletter and stay in the loop with all the latest exciting news from our local community. You can also join the local conversation on X, Facebook, and Instagram, and catch the latest on our YouTube Channel too.

Contact Us

Got a story to tell Orlando? Contact us now. To advertise with us, click here, and to list your upcoming event with us, submit it here.