Discipline Prize

Celebrating Excellence in the Arts

The Discipline Prizes celebrate and honor outstanding achievements in the arts, recognizing artists who demonstrate exceptional talent and dedication in their respective fields. These awards highlight the significant contributions of artists to the cultural landscape of Northeast Ohio. By acknowledging excellence across the diverse disciplines of  Visual Art, Literature, Music, Design, and Theater and Dance, the Discipline Prizes aim to support and elevate the region’s vibrant artistic community. Apply now to join the ranks of esteemed artists who have made a lasting impact through their creative endeavors.

Discipline Prize Eligibility

  • Discipline awards are application-based.
  •  Discipline Prizes are based on artistic works. 
  • Discipline applications are considered in the fields of Visual Art, Literature, Music, Design, and Theater and dance.
  • Past recipients can only reapply in a different discipline.
  • Awards are only awarded to living artists connected to Northeast Ohio.
  • Nominations are accepted until April 1; your nominee is then notified and invited to complete their applications.*
  • Nominations do not impact applications and are confidential to jurors.

Discipline Prize Criteria

A body of original work that consistently exemplifies the highest level of artistic excellence as shown by, but not limited to:
  • Mastery of traditional skills and willingness to challenge the status quo
  •  Awareness and/or acknowledgment of contemporary and/or changing schools of thought respective to discipline
  • High level of continuity between artist statement and work
  • Regional, national, and/or international recognition*
  • Contributions to the canon of knowledge that will endure beyond the artist’s life*

* These criteria will be assessed relative to career level.

Career Levels

Applicants will be placed into career levels based on the following requirements:

Emerging Artist Award

The candidate currently resides in Northeast Ohio, showcasing notable accomplishments and significant work projects while demonstrating considerable potential for advancing their artistic career.

Mid-Career Artist Award

The candidate currently lives or has previously lived in Northeast Ohio and has garnered recognition at both regional and national levels for their work.

Lifetime Achievement Award

The candidate has dedicated decades to their work in Northeast Ohio, with their artistic achievements bringing both personal distinction and enhancing the region’s reputation as a whole.

Determination of Winners

Cleveland Arts Prize Discipline winners are selected through a jury process. The jurors are artists, community leaders, and past winners, who serve no more than three consecutive years. Their decision will be final. Jurors are announced during the submission period.

Discipline winners receive an unrestricted prize of $10,000, distributed in December of the winning year.

"It was terrific to be recognized for teaching as well as explorations in glass art. I was encouraged feeling that I was on a good path. Perhaps it gave my students confidence in me that I received the award."   ~ Brent Kee Young (Visual Artist)