The Bridgemaker Prize

The Bridgemaker Prize recognizes museums that best embody the mission and values of Art Bridges through exceptional art sharing and community engagement. Through this initiative, we aim to increase the visibility of Art Bridges programs at exemplary partner institutions; strengthen relationships with our museum partners while showcasing their impact; and inspire museums nationwide to push boundaries, build stronger communities, share their collections more broadly, and champion the transformative power of art.

About

In this second year of the prize, we are highlighting audience growth and meaningful engagement. Museum partners are invited to self-nominate in one of three categories:

Engagement: Meaningful and sustained growth in expanding access and engagement with a key community audience supported by Art Bridges funding
Growth: Increased annual attendance driven by art sharing and community engagement projects with Art Bridges
Innovation: Pioneering programs supported by Art Bridges funding that reach new audiences and demonstrate lasting impact

The Prize

The winner(s) will receive an award of up to $150,000 to support future projects in alignment with Art Bridges’ mission. In addition to the monetary prize, recipients will have their work featured across our digital platforms—expanding their reach and inspiring museums nationwide to strengthen their role as trusted community anchors.

How to Apply

Eligibility Requirements

* Your museum must have a Partner Profile and at least one completed project with Art Bridges. A completed project is defined as having received funding from Art Bridges to implement art sharing or community engagement activities and having submitted a final report. To check your status, please contact our Partner Relations team at partnership@artbridgesfoundation.org.

Before You Begin

* Only one representative from each museum can submit a nomination.

* This application cannot be saved and revisited. Please be prepared to submit the application upon entering the portal. Please use our Nomination Form, which will help you prepare for the application process.

* Please be prepared to enter your institution’s total annual attendance figures and general operating expenses for 2019, 2020, 2023, and 2024.

Submit Your Application

Click above to complete the Bridgemaker Prize application and share your museum’s impact with Art Bridges. Applications are due by 11:59 pm PT on May 31, 2026.

Apply Nowabout Submit Your Application

Selection Process

All partners and their projects are evaluated by Art Bridges’ staff using mission-aligned criteria, ensuring a fair and structured assessment based on impact, innovation, and alignment with the foundation's values.

Impact – How well the project(s) increase art access, engage new and/or established audiences, and demonstrate long-term sustainability
Innovation – How well the project(s) exemplify creative risk-taking in the field through pilot initiatives
Alignment – How well the project(s) reflect Art Bridges’ goal of delivering access to meaningful art experiences, fostered through various facets of personal and community well-being

Recipient Gallery

Explore the inaugural Bridgemaker Prize recipients and learn more about how they’ve leveraged their partnerships with Art Bridges to expand access to American art, engage their communities, and amplify the impact of their collections through innovative collaboration and programming.

For more information on how our partners develop creative initiatives that reach new audiences and deepen community engagement through Art Bridges support, visit the Idea Center.

View Gallery