Celebrating Visionaries of the Arts
The Robert P. Bergman Prize, The Martha Joseph Prize for Distinguished Service to the Arts, and The Barbara S. Robinson Prize for the Advancement of the Arts recognize outstanding dedication and leadership in the arts community. Nominations are open to those who believe in the transformative power of art and are ready to champion the visionaries among us. Nominators are responsible for submitting up to five letters of support; these are crucial for the consideration process.
Special Prize Guidelines
Special Prize candidates undergo consideration solely through nomination. The nominator is tasked with procuring a maximum of 5 letters of support endorsing the nominee. It is the nominator’s responsibility to submit these support letters; nominations lacking such documentation will not be reviewed.
While the nominator may propose a specific award for their candidate (either Martha Joseph or Robert P. Bergman), the final determination rests with the Cleveland Arts Prize Jury. Special Prize nominees are not notified of their nomination.
Winners of the Robert P. Bergman and Martha Joseph Prize are assessed and chosen by a Special Prize jury of past awardees and community leaders. Nominations and determination of the Barbara S. Robinson Prize winner is selected by the Cleveland Arts Prize Board of Trustees Executive Officers.
Special Prize Categories
Robert P. Bergman Prize
The Robert P. Bergman Prize is awarded to an individual whose life and work are illuminated by an energetic and inspiring dedication to a democratic vision of art. The Bergman Prize recognizes the highest possible expression of art stewardship through long term commitment.Martha Joseph Prize for Distinguished Service to the Arts
The Martha Joseph Prize is awarded to an individual or an organization that has made a significant contribution to the vitality and stature of the arts in northeast Ohio through exceptional commitment, vision, leadership, and/or philanthropy.
Barbara S. Robinson Prize for the Advancement of the Arts
The Barbara S. Robinson Prize is awarded to an individual or organization for extraordinary commitment to the advancement of the arts through leadership in policy, legislation, arts education and/or community development.