Boston Artadia Awards

The Artadia Awards is a national grant program administered by Artadia, a nonprofit organization established in 1999 that is committed to recognizing and supporting visual artists in select U.S. cities. Artadia’s mission is to provide unrestricted financial support, exposure, and community to artists, enabling them to develop their creative practices without constraints. The Boston Artadia Awards is one of the seven recurring regional cycles under this program and accepts applications from eligible artists residing within specific counties in Massachusetts. Artadia’s funding is unique in that it provides unrestricted awards, allowing recipients complete freedom in how they utilize their funds. In the Boston cycle, three artists are awarded $15,000 each, while six finalists receive honorariums for their time in the application and interview process. The program is highly competitive and involves a rigorous two-round jury process. In the first round, a panel of three curators, including at least one based locally, evaluates submissions to shortlist six finalists. In the second round, a different panel conducts virtual 45-minute studio visits with each finalist before selecting the final awardees. Notably, Artadia ensures its awardee pool reflects the diversity of the U.S., with over 50 percent female-identifying recipients and over 40 percent identifying as persons of color. Beyond the financial award, selected artists gain access to the Artadia Network, which provides structured opportunities for professional development and resource sharing. Additionally, each awardee receives a dedicated profile page on the Artadia Artist Registry, enhancing their visibility within the art world. The awards have led to meaningful career advancements, including participation in renowned exhibitions such as the Whitney Biennial and Prospect New Orleans. Eligibility for the Boston cycle requires applicants to be contemporary visual artists working in a context such as museums, galleries, nonprofit spaces, or public art platforms. Filmmakers producing for cinematic release and choreographers outside a contemporary art context are not eligible. Applicants must live and work in one of the following counties: Bristol, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, or Suffolk. Residency in one of these counties must be continuous for at least two years before the application deadline. Applicants must not be currently enrolled in or planning to attend an art-related degree program, and past awardees who received $10,000 or more are ineligible, although previous finalists may apply again. Applications must be submitted via Submittable during the open application window from August 15 to September 15, 2025. The process involves submitting digital images and/or time-based media works. Only materials submitted through Submittable are considered; submissions via email or other means are not accepted. Finalists must be available for a virtual studio visit if selected. The application can be completed in multiple sessions before the final deadline, and there is no application fee. Artadia also operates similar award cycles in other cities including Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York City, and the San Francisco Bay Area, each with its own deadline window. The grant cycle is recurring annually, and the next expected Boston cycle is anticipated to reopen in August 2026. Questions or accessibility issues can be addressed by contacting Artadia at info@artadia.org or by calling (212) 727-2233. Mailing inquiries can be directed to Artadia, PO Box 20187, Brooklyn, NY 11202.

Submit early and prepare media assets in the correct format before starting application. Be available for virtual studio visits if selected.