Organizer Information

The Bard Graduate Center (BGC) is a graduate research institute based in New York, United States, dedicated to the cultural histories of the material world, including decorative arts, design history, and material culture. Through academic programs, exhibitions, publications, and research forums, BGC fosters interdisciplinary scholarship and public engagement with material culture. The Horowitz Book Prize is part of its long-standing research initiatives that recognize excellence in scholarly work related to the Americas.

Title & Description

Call for Submissions: Mr. and Mrs. Raymond J. Horowitz Book Prize 2026
The Mr. and Mrs. Raymond J. Horowitz Book Prize invites submissions of recently published books that explore decorative arts, design history, or material culture of the Americas. Awarded annually by Bard Graduate Center, this prize recognizes outstanding scholarly achievement and fosters cross-disciplinary dialogue. Winners are selected by a committee of Bard Graduate Center faculty and celebrated with a research event highlighting critical perspectives and innovative questions emerging from their work. Eligible books must showcase original research, contribute significantly to the chosen field, and focus primarily on topics related to artistic expression, craftsmanship, cultural history, or design practices within the Americas. Both print and digital formats are accepted, with works in any language considered.

Categories

  • Publication
  • Research
  • Art Writing
  • Material Culture Studies
  • Decorative Arts History
  • Design History
  • Visual Arts Scholarship

Eligibility

  • Open to authors and editors whose books focus on the Americas.
  • Eligible books must be published in 2025 (print or digital format).
  • Works should reflect original research; later editions, reissues, or digital reprints of previously released print titles are discouraged.

Program Benefits & Awards

  • Recognition as the recipient of a prestigious, cross-disciplinary academic prize.
  • A research event hosted by Bard Graduate Center to explore the awarded book’s themes and scholarly contributions.
  • Increased academic visibility and validation within the fields of decorative arts and material culture studies.

Application Fee

None

Application Requirements

Submissions must include:
  • A completed entry submission form (downloadable from the official prize page).
  • For print books: three physical copies of the book mailed to the Horowitz Book Prize Committee.
  • For digital books:
    • A PDF of the publication.
    • A link to the digital publication.
    • The entry submission form will be emailed together with the files.
  • All materials must be complete and adhere to submission instructions to be considered.

How to Apply?

Submit either by post or email:
  • Postal Submission: Horowitz Book Prize Committee Bard Graduate Center 38 West 86th Street New York, NY 10024 United States
  • Digital Submission: Email the completed form, PDF, and publication link to: horowitz.prize@bgc.bard.edu

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: 15 April 2026
  • Winners Announced: October 2026

Location

United States

Additional Details

  • There is no limit on the number of eligible submissions a single author or editor may submit, provided each title meets the criteria.
  • BGC does not return submitted materials; shipping is the responsibility of the applicant.
  • Winning titles are honored with a feature research event, fostering scholarly dialogue among peers.

Website Link: https://www.bgc.bard.edu/research/30/call-for-submissions-horowitz-book