Giving

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.

Eligibility | Criteria | Career Levels for Award | Determination of Winners | Application Form

Apply Here

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 March 1; your nominee is then notified and invited to complete their applications.*
  • Nominations do not impact applications and are confidential to jurors.
  • Nominate HERE

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. Applications that do not fulfill these criteria will not be moved forward to the jury process.

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 worked or has been influential in the Northeast Ohio region over a period of decades and who’s artistic achievements have brought distinction to the artist individually and to the region as a whole.

How to Apply or Nominate

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.

How to Nominate or Apply:

1. Nominate someone. (starts NOW through April 1, 2026) All you need is their name and email address to start the nomination.

2. We’ll send them the application. Once nominated, the artist will receive an email with instructions to complete the application starting March 1.

3. Apply directly. (Applications open March 1, 2026)
Artists do not need to be nominated to apply. 

4. Complete the application. The application asks for work samples, background information, and supporting materials that showcase the artist’s achievements.

5. Submit by the May 8, 2026 deadline. That’s it! Applications are reviewed by our jury, and winners are selected and announced by early August.

2026 Discipline Jurors

Design:  Jack Bialosky, Robert Bostwick, Christy Gray, Sandra Madison 

Literature:  Ali Black*, Stephanie Ginese*, Philip Metres*

Music:  Liza Grossman*, Dana Jessen*, Afi Scruggs 

Theatre & Dance: Don Carrier, Joan Meggitt, Treva Offutt, Pamela Young*

Visual Art: Sienna Brown, Jeff Katzin, PhD, Pipo Nguyen-Duy, Frank Oriti*, Barbara Tannenbaum 

Academy: Felise Bagley*, Raymond Bobgan*, Eric Coble*, Michele Crawford, Michael Dalby, Erin Guido, Jason Hanley, Meg Harris-Stanton, Kathryn Karipides*, Jonathan Kurtz*, Lisa Kurzner, Gabe Pollack, Fabio Polanco, Darius Steward*, Arnold Tunstall, Matt Weinkam, John Williams*, Brad Ricca*

*Cleveland Arts Prize Winner

"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)