Spector Craft Prize for Emerging Artists 2026

🏆 About the Spector Craft Prize for Emerging Artists

The Spector Craft Prize for Emerging Artists seeks to identify and support exceptional emerging craft artists whose work demonstrates:

• Technical mastery
• Innovative vision
• Deep engagement with American culture

The Prize aims to recognize artists who show significant potential for contributing to the field and who would benefit from the comprehensive support provided by the program.

💰 Benefits of the Spector Craft Prize

Up to five artists will be selected annually to receive comprehensive support, including:

• $10,000 financial award to support their artistic practice
• Participation in the Spector Craft Summit, including workshops, seminars, and networking sessions
• Travel and accommodation costs covered for the Spector Craft Summit and awards ceremony
• Recognition across Spector Craft Prize platforms
• Mentorship opportunities with established craft artists and curators
• Peer networking sessions with fellow emerging artists
• Integration into a vital network of American craft professionals

✅ Eligibility Criteria

All applicants must:

• Be within the first 7 years of commencing their professional craft practice
• Be residents or citizens of the U.S.
• Be 21 years of age or older at the time of application
• Submit high-resolution images of an artistic work created within the last 3 years
• Be the sole creator of the submitted work
• Self-identify as an "emerging" craft artist who would benefit from the Spector Craft Prize program

Additional Eligibility Details

Eligible artists may include those who:

• Are in their final year or have recently graduated from any undergraduate program (BA, BFA, etc.)
• Are currently in or have recently graduated from any graduate program (MA, MFA, PhD, etc.)
• Have completed non-accredited or alternative craft learning programs
• Have developed their practice independently or are self-taught
• Have had a break from their practice but are still within 7 years of commencing
• Came to craft practice later in life, but are still within 7 years of commencing

📅 Application Date and Process

Applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s online portal at www.spectorcraftprize.org from November 11, 2025, to March 1, 2026.

Required Submissions:

• Completed application form
• Artist statement (250 words maximum)
• Description of Submitted Work (150 words maximum)
• Biographical summary (150 words maximum)
• 2-5 high-resolution images of submitted work (with scale reference and neutral background)
• Copy of government-issued photo identification

Optional Submissions:

• 90-second video submission
• Up to 5 career portfolio images

Image Specifications:

• Format: JPEG or PNG
• Minimum size: 800 x 600 px
• Maximum file size: 2 MB each
• Background: White or neutral required
• At least one image must include scale reference

📌 Application Deadline

March 1, 2026

🌐 Application Portal

View details of the Spector Craft Prize for Emerging Artists.

Apply directly via the Spector Craft Prize official website.

• $10,000 financial award to support their artistic practice
• Participation in the Spector Craft Summit, including workshops, seminars, and networking sessions
• Travel and accommodation costs covered for the Spector Craft Summit and awards ceremony
• Recognition across our platforms
• Mentorship opportunities with established craft artists and curators
• Peer networking sessions with fellow emerging artists
• Integration into a vital network of American craft professionals