Artist Award

Each year, the Arkansas Committee of the National Museum of Women in the Arts (ACNMWA) selects an accomplished Arkansas woman visual artist to receive the Artist Award. This $4,000 award assists the artist in realizing her vision and makes her achievements more visible to the art community and the public. There is a $25 entry fee and the application period opens on December 1, 2025.

The award is designed to support and further the artist's studio practice. Applicants must be visual artists who are women, residing in Arkansas for at least one year by January 31, 2026. The Artist Award grant provides for artist expenses related to professional development or pursuit of new creative work: workshop training, research, travel, and/or essential equipment or supplies. It may be used for any need or purpose, including studio expenses, equipment or supplies, childcare, research, travel, or study. Award selection is made by a committee of the Arkansas Committee of the National Museum of Women in the Arts. The winner will be included in the next online Artist Registry and featured on ACNMWA social media posts during the year.

Application Requirements

1. Applications must be submitted by January 31, 2026.
2. Applicants must be visual artists who are women, residing in Arkansas for at least one year by January 31, 2026.
3. Image files must be JPEG only. They must be no larger than 1200 pixels on the longest side, with a file resolution of 72 ppi/dpi and a file size not exceeding 5 MB. Images must be correctly oriented, and digital enhancements are not allowed.
4. Have all documents and images available when you start the application to ensure that the form does not "time out" before you submit the information.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Student work is not eligible.
2. Previous winners of the Artist Award are not eligible.
3. Members of the Arkansas Committee of NMWA are not eligible.
4. The winner will be notified in March 2026.
5. The winner will complete a W-9 form and maintain current contact information with the Committee.
6. The winner will provide a brief biography and recent photograph and actively assist in publicizing the Award through social media and interviews.
7. The winner will report periodically to the Award committee and, in 2027, make an audiovisual or in-person presentation to the ACNMWA board.
   
   

APPLY HERE