Photo by Tenzin Dorjee
Photo by Tenzin Dorjee
The Rubin Museum has selected India-based Khadhok – Tibetan Artists’ Collective as the winner of the 2025 Rubin Museum Himalayan Art Prize—an unrestricted $30,000 cash prize and the largest international award in support of contemporary art related to the greater Himalayan region.
“We were deeply moved when we first heard about the award,” said the founding members of Khadhok. “As a young collective, being recognized by an institution with such a long history in Himalayan art makes us feel truly seen and valued. This recognition strengthens our confidence and encourages us to keep growing. Most importantly, it changes what is possible for Khadhok, allowing us to build a strong foundation that truly lasts and supports artists and our community for many years to come.”
The Rubin Art Prize was established in 2024 to support and recognize the work of living artists and collectives who have made a mark in creative and critically relevant dialogues between Himalayan art and contemporary life. The recipient of the inaugural prize was artist Tenzin Gyurmey Dorjee.
“Working with Himalayan art and living artists has been part of our approach since the Rubin was founded in 2004,” says Jorrit Britschgi, Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art Executive Director. “As a museum without walls we hope to increase visibility and awareness of Tibetan and Himalayan art globally. ”
Khadhok – Tibetan Artists’ Collective was founded in Dharamshala, India, in 2023 to provide a dedicated space for Tibetan contemporary visual artists to present their work, exchange ideas, and strengthen their practice, with a focus on emerging artists. Its name, Khadhok, means “color” in Tibetan, reflecting the diversity, vibrancy, and richness of Tibetan expression. Since its founding, Khadhok has grown into a vibrant platform for artistic exchange, community engagement, and youth empowerment. The collective’s activities include exhibitions, mural projects, workshops, talks, and youth engagement initiatives in schools and community spaces, supporting both professional growth and reflection on identity, culture, and belonging.
The announcement of the 2025 Art Prize recipient is made alongside the funding of 15 art and research projects in its second cycle of annual Rubin Grants. Together the Rubin Art Prize and Rubin Grants will provide $230K of direct support to artists and researchers working in the Himalayan region and internationally. These initiatives demonstrate the Rubin’s enhanced commitment in its new model to nurturing the next generation of artists and scholars dedicated to expanding awareness and understanding of Himalayan art.
Khadhok – Tibetan Artists’ Collective was founded in Dharamshala, India, in 2023 to provide a dedicated space for Tibetan contemporary visual artists to present their work, exchange ideas, and strengthen their practice, with a focus on emerging artists. Its name, Khadhok, means “color” in Tibetan, reflecting the diversity, vibrancy, and richness of Tibetan expression.
Since its founding, Khadhok has grown into a vibrant platform for artistic exchange, community engagement, and youth empowerment. The collective’s activities include exhibitions, mural projects, workshops, talks, and youth engagement initiatives in schools and community spaces, supporting both professional growth and reflection on identity, culture, and belonging.
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