Original Work
Premier Award
The Premier Award exists for a single purpose: to help artists make the work that does not exist yet.
- Music
- Dance
- Theater
- Visual Arts
DemoApplication flow links to Contact in this concept build.
Overview
What this award does
The Premier Award supports the creation and first public presentation of original work in music, dance, theater, and visual arts. Rather than funding operations or touring, it is directed squarely at the making — the commissioning, rehearsal, studio time, materials, and collaborators that a new work requires.
Awards are made annually, with review panels drawn from practicing artists and arts professionals in each discipline. Panels read for artistic ambition and for readiness: the sense that a project is genuinely prepared to move from intention into a finished, presentable work.
Because the four disciplines work differently, the program is deliberately flexible. A chamber commission, a choreographic premiere, a first full production of a new play, and a body of studio work headed toward exhibition are all appropriate requests.
Program overview
Who it supports
Intended recipients
Artists making new work
Composers, choreographers, playwrights, and visual artists with a defined project and a credible path to public presentation.
Presenting partners
Ensembles, companies, and venues co-commissioning or premiering original work by a named artist.
Collaborative teams
Interdisciplinary projects where authorship is shared across two or more of the Foundation's four disciplines.
Who this award supports
Eligibility
Before you apply
- Applicants must be practicing artists, or organizations applying on behalf of a named artist.
- The proposed work must be original and not yet publicly presented in its complete form.
- One application per artist per cycle; collaborators may appear on only one lead application.
- Prior recipients may reapply after one full cycle has passed.
- Full eligibility criteria are sample content and will be confirmed by the Foundation before launch.
Application
How it works
- 01Create an account and complete the online application form.
- 02Upload a project narrative of no more than three pages describing the work, timeline, and collaborators.
- 03Provide two work samples: audio, video, script pages, or images appropriate to your discipline.
- 04Submit a project budget using the Foundation's template.
- 05Panel review takes place in the spring; all applicants are notified in writing.
Important dates
The annual cycle
January (sample)
March (sample)
April – May (sample)
June (sample)
July (sample)
DemoDates shown as sample scheduling.
Important dates
Questions
Frequently asked
- Can I apply in more than one discipline?
- Submit one application in the discipline that best describes the work. Interdisciplinary projects should choose the discipline of the lead artist and note collaborators in the narrative.
- Does the work need a confirmed premiere venue?
- A confirmed venue strengthens an application, but a credible presentation plan with a named partner in conversation is acceptable.
- Are educational or degree projects eligible?
- Work created primarily to fulfill degree requirements is not eligible. Work developed independently while enrolled may be.
- How are panels assembled?
- Each discipline panel includes practicing artists and arts professionals. Panelists recuse themselves from any application where a conflict exists.
Frequently asked questions
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Emerging Artist Award
Celebrating and supporting promising artists at the beginning of their creative journeys.
Support
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