CWAJ established the Young Printmaker Award in 2005 as part of the 50th Print Show celebration to encourage the development of young artists. Eligible applicants are the artists selected at the Annual Exhibition of the Japan Society of Printmaking. Selected on the criteria of a project proposal, artistic potential and creativity, the recipient is expected to use the cash award of 500,000 yen within one year for a specific project.

In addition, the recipient has an opportunity to exhibit the award print at the CWAJ Print Show and is also allowed to exhibit a new print three years after receiving the Award. The CWAJ Young Printmaker Award is in its 20th year and many of the past recipients are flourishing in the printmaking world, a testimony to the importance of this award to inspire young artists.

Inspired by CWAJ’s mission of fostering female leadership for more than 50 years and support of art through its annual exhibition of contemporary Japanese prints, leading Italian fashion brand Loro Piana Japan is collaborating with CWAJ with the donation of a special award, the CWAJ Print Show Loro Piana Woman Artist Award. The recipients are chosen by CWAJ and the Selection Advisors from among the selected works from this year’s CWAJ Print Show. The award (500,000 yen) is to encourage the career of a woman artist and the development of Japanese contemporary prints.