Online submissions will be accepted via CaFÉ from April 1, 2025, through May 11, 2025. Artists may submit up to 12 images, and one (1) video, with a maximum of 12 works total. Applicants will be notified of the selected award winners by July 1, 2025. Awards will be presented in person at a special awards event on Saturday, September 20, 2025.

Artists and craftspeople must apply for consideration for any of these awards. Artists must be at least 18 years old at the time of submission. Artists are limited to one application per Award year, and should select the category that they feel best defines their artistic practice. Artists must be a resident of the specific geographic region described in the category in which they apply. 

There is an entry fee of $25 to submit an application for consideration to the BRAVA Awards. Any artist for whom a $25 entry fee constitutes a financial hardship will not be required to submit a fee, and that information will not be known to the jury.

Artists are requested to communicate any questions/inquiries via email: brava@biartmuseum.org.

Applications open April 1, 2025.

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 background in the arts, information on you related 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 your 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 all that encompasses 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.

Award Specific Components

• Native American & First Nations Artist – Explain your tribal background/affiliations, and how you self-identify with the community.
• Emerging Artist Statement – Why do you consider yourself an emerging artist? Use this as an opportunity to explain what you see in your future and how this award might help you achieve those goals..

From the four pools of qualified applicants, each BRAVA awardee is selected through a unique competitive process by one of four independent Jury Committees, composed of working artists, educators, and art sector leaders and thinkers.

These Jury Committees will review nominations based on each nominee’s eligibility and the nominee’s contribution to the advancement of the arts and/or their particular specialty area. The winner will exhibit the benchmarks of success including artistic merit, achievement, and commitment to the discipline as described in each category. 

The BRAVA Award Jury process will be stewarded, administered, and supported by Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, but the juror decisions are independent of the museum.

For general BRAVA Awards information, click here.