BRAVA Contact: Sade McInnis

BRAVA Email: brava@biartmuseum.org

                                    AWARD DESCRIPTIONS

Native American & First Nations Artist Award 

The BRAVA Award for Native American & First Nations Artist supports the work of contemporary visual artists and craftspeople who self-identify as Native American and/or First Nations. The award is open to artists working in a variety of disciplines, including but not limited to painting, sculpture, weaving, textile, carving, printmaking, photography, video, performance art, beading, installation, pottery, and mixed media or collaborative projects. Artists may work in both contemporary and traditional styles and content

See below for regional eligibility.

Artists' Books Award 

The BRAVA Award for Artists’ Books Artists supports contemporary visual artists and craftspeople working in the genre of Artists’ Books. These works of art incorporate the concept of the book in various ways, often inviting the user to engage with them over time through interpretation, manipulation, or storytelling. Artist’s books can be small edition works or unique one-of-a-kind objects. This award is open to artists working in a range of media, including but not limited to fiber/textile, painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, installation, ceramics, and mixed-media or collaborative projects.

See below for regional eligibility.

Emerging Artist Award 

This award supports the work of contemporary visual artists and craftspeople from the Puget Sound region who are at an early stage of their professional career. The BRAVA Award for Emerging Artist is focused on artists who have seen early recognition of their visual arts practice, are serious about their pursuit of a career in visual arts, and whose work is deemed promising by a jury. The BRAVA Award for Emerging Artist is open to artists working in media including but not limited to fiber/textile, painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, video, performance art, installation, ceramics, and mixed-media or collaborative projects.

See below for regional eligibility.

2025 Special Choice Award: Children’s Book 

The BRAVA Award for Children’s Book Illustrator supports the work of contemporary visual artists from the Puget Sound region who specialize in children’s book illustration. Eligible work may include original illustrations created for books aimed at readers 16 years or younger. This can encompass book covers, interior illustrations, and complete book designs, including but not limited to graphic novels, e-books, interactive books, picture books, chapter books, works of fiction and non-fiction, zines, reference books, artist books, and pop-up books.

See below for regional eligibility.

The Award

Each of the four BRAVA awardees will receive an unrestricted award of $15,000. In addition to the cash prize, the recipient of each award receives: 

• Recognition in BIMA media, including website, print and online publications, and social media, and provided a template press release to distribute to their media outlets;
• Participation in an on-line or live event featuring the awardees;
• A short video to be produced about the recipient;
• Invitation to participate in an Award Ceremony, likely held at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art;
• Invitation to serve as one of the jurors on the review panel of the next bi-annual award process.

Find out more about the BRAVA Awards Here 

Application Requirements

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Artist’s Biography (1,000 words or less)
A moment to give a look into who you are as an artist. Provide details on your training or background in the arts, information on you that relates to art, and any accomplishments worth noting. Give the jurors a greater understanding of how you came to be an artist, where you come from, and inspirations.
*Can be written in first or third person

Artist’s Statement (1,000 words or less)
The Artist’s Statement should be all about your art and will discuss your work’s current direction. Offer insight into your artistic process, your connection to your art, and what you are trying to communicate or express through your art.
*Should be written in first person

Work Samples
All items are important to your application, however the bulk of your application is your work samples. Ensure your work samples are well-documented and cohesive with all other pieces of your application. It is suggested to upload your work in the order you would like them to be reviewed.

• All visual artworks created at any time during the artist's lifetime will be considered, with a maximum of 12 images.
• Image Dimensions: 1,200 pixels or greater on the longest side (1920 pixels recommended).
• Image File Size: Under 5 MB.
• File Type: JPEG or JPG only.
• Film/video will be limited to 3 minutes in length.

Find out more about the BRAVA Award Process Here

Eligibility Criteria

ELIGIBILITY:

Native American & First Nations Artist Award 

• Must be at least 18 years old at the time of submission
• Self-Identify as an Native American and/or First Nations Artist
• Live and work in the Salish Sea Region
  • Skagit County
  • Snohomish County
  • King County
  • Pierce County
  • Thurston County
  • Mason County
  • Jefferson County
  • Whatcom County
  • Clallam County
  • Kitsap County
  • Island and San Juan Counties
  • Alberni-Clayouquot Regional District
  • Capital Regional District
  • Cariboo Regional District
  • Comox Valley Regional District
  • Cowichan Valley Regional District
  • Metro Vancouver Regional District
  • Mount Waddington Regional District
  • Nanaimo Regional District
  • Powell River Regional District
  • Sunshine Coast Regional District
  • Thompson-Nicola Regional District

Artist’s Books Award 

• Must be at least 18 years old at the time of submission
• Open to Artist's Book Artists in the United States

Emerging Artist Award 

• Must be at least 18 years old at the time of submission
• Your work has not been featured in a solo exhibition at an art museum
• Live and work in the Puget Sound Region
  • Skagit County
  • Snohomish County
  • King County
  • Pierce County
  • Thurston County
  • Mason County
  • Jefferson County
  • Whatcom County
  • Clallam County
  • Kitsap County
  • Island and San Juan Counties

Special Choice Award: Children’s Book Illustrator Award

• Must be at least 18 years old at the time of submission
• Work must be designed for readers 16 years or under
• Live and work in the Puget Sound Region
  • Skagit County
  • Snohomish County
  • King County
  • Pierce County
  • Thurston County
  • Mason County
  • Jefferson County
  • Whatcom County
  • Clallam County
  • Kitsap County
  • Island and San Juan Counties