Organizer Information
The Spector Craft Prize for Emerging Artists was established in 2025 by Abigail Klem Spector and Warren Spector through the Spector Family Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to celebrating and supporting excellence in American craft, recognizing its vital role in contemporary culture. By championing artists at pivotal career moments, the foundation seeks to preserve vital traditions while fostering innovation and creating meaningful connections between emerging and established professionals in the field.
Title & Description
The Spector Craft Prize for Emerging Artists 2025-2026
This prestigious award is designed to identify and support exceptional emerging craft artists who demonstrate technical mastery and an innovative vision.4 The prize aims to nurture the future of American craft by providing comprehensive financial and professional support.5 Selected artists are recognized for their potential to shape the future of the field and their commitment to strengthening the role of craft in American culture through their artistic practice and community engagement.6
Categories
The prize is open to a wide range of craft disciplines that demonstrate technical mastery, including:
- Material-based Arts: Ceramics, Woodworking, Glass, Metalwork.
- Fiber & Paper: Textiles, Basketry, Paper Arts.
- Innovative Craft: Other disciplines that push creative boundaries while maintaining mastery of fundamental techniques.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Career Stage: Within the first 7 years of commencing professional craft practice (includes self-taught artists or those who came to craft later in life).
- Residency: Must be a resident or citizen of the U.S.
- Age: 21 years of age or older at the time of application.
- Artist Status: Self-identifies as an "emerging" artist; must be the sole creator of the submitted work.
- Education: Open to current students (final year), recent graduates (undergrad or grad), or those from non-accredited/alternative programs.
Program Benefits & Awards
Up to five selected artists will receive a comprehensive support package:
- Financial Award: $10,000 to support their artistic practice.
- Conference: Participation in the Spector Craft Conference, including workshops, seminars, and networking.
- Travel & Lodging: All costs covered for the conference and awards ceremony.
- Mentorship: Opportunities to connect with established craft artists and curators.
- Visibility: Recognition across foundation platforms and integration into a vital professional network.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Applications must be submitted via the online portal with the following:
- Artist Statement: Max 250 words.
- Description of Work: Max 150 words.
- Biographical Summary: Max 150 words.
- Images: 2–5 high-resolution images of a work created within the last 3 years (JPEG/PNG, min 800x600px, neutral background, including scale reference).
- ID: Copy of government-issued photo identification.
- Optional: A 90-second video submission and up to 5 career portfolio images.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 1 March 2026
- Panel Deliberation: March – May 2026
- Final Selection: June 2026
- Public Announcement: September 2026
Location
New York, United States
Additional Details
Selected artists grant the Foundation a non-exclusive license to use images of their work for promotional purposes. Artists retain full ownership and copyright. Recipients must be able to provide an IRS Form W-9 for tax reporting. Note that recipients of the prize are ineligible to apply again in future cycles.