The State of the Art Prize is a new national initiative launched through the 2026 Open Call process for the Creative Capital Award. This two-year initiative aims to recognize one artist from each U.S. state and its territories with an unrestricted grant of $10,000. The award is designed to support artists at pivotal moments in their careers and does not require recipients to complete a proposed project. All applicants for the Creative Capital Award will be automatically considered for the State of the Art Prize, and selection will be based on the same evaluation criteria. No separate application is required. In addition to the financial award, recipients will gain access to professional development resources, including the Creative Capital Curriculum, Artist Labs, and an online community for networking and support.

The application process for the Creative Capital Award consists of three rounds. In Round I, applicants submit a project proposal for an original and impactful new artistic work in the fields of Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Film, and Literature. Multidisciplinary, technology-driven, or socially engaged projects are also welcome. Artists must provide a project title, description, biography, resume, and work samples, as well as answer specific questions about their artistic approach, influences, intended impact, and professional growth. Round II involves submitting additional materials such as a project budget, timeline, work samples, and proof of eligibility. Artists advancing to Round III will undergo a final panel review, confirm any collaborators, and have the option to submit project updates.

The State of the Art Prize and the Creative Capital Award are both one-time awards. While past recipients of the Creative Capital Award cannot apply for the State of the Art Prize, previous winners of the State of the Art Prize may apply again for the Creative Capital Award in future cycles. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent legal residents, O-1 visa holders, or Tribal ID holders, at least 25 years old, and have at least five years of professional artistic practice. They must not be enrolled in a degree-granting program or have received a previous Creative Capital Award. Artists must also reside in the state or territory in which they are awarded through February 1, 2026, and provide proof of residency.

The funding provided through the Creative Capital Award varies, ranging from $15,000 to $50,000 per project. Approximately 50 individual artists across different disciplines, demographics, and geographic locations will be selected for this award cycle. The funding structure allows awardees to draw down funds over a five-year period. The State of the Art Prize will be awarded to one artist per state or territory where applications are received, ensuring a diverse and geographically representative selection of artists.

Ineligible projects include those primarily for promotional purposes, funding for ongoing nonprofit or business operations, curatorial or documentation projects, and projects that will be completed before October 1, 2026. Additionally, Creative Capital does not fund nonprofit organizations, artist-run businesses, or projects with primarily educational objectives, such as curriculum development or student-focused initiatives.

The 2026 Open Call application timeline includes a Round I application deadline on April 3, 2025, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time. Notifications for advancement to Round II will be sent in June 2025, and Round III finalists will be notified by September 2025. The final selection of the Creative Capital Award and State of the Art Prize recipients will be publicly announced in early 2026. More information and application guidelines are available in the Creative Capital Application Handbook, and additional inquiries can be directed to awards@creative-capital.org.