The Spector Craft Prize for Emerging Artists 2025-2026
About
The Spector Craft Prize (the “Prize”) is an annual initiative launched in 2025 to champion excellence in American craft. Founded by Abigail Klem Spector and Warren Spector through the Spector Family
Foundation, the program supports craft artists at pivotal moments in their careers through awards, mentorship, and community-building.
In an era dominated by rapid technological advancement, the Spector Craft Prize stands as a vital counterbalance by preserving material connections in an increasingly virtual world, supporting creative
expression amid declining public funding for arts education, and reconnecting makers and the public to our shared heritage of craft.
By championing craft artists at pivotal moments in their careers, the
Spector Family Foundation aims to strengthen the role of craft in contemporary American culture.
aim
The Spector Craft Prize for Emerging Artists seeks to identify and support exceptional emerging craft artists whose work demonstrates technical mastery, innovative vision, and deep engagement with American culture. The Prize aims to recognize artists who show significant potential for contributing to the field and who would benefit from the comprehensive support provided by the program.
Selected artists represent the future of American craft and demonstrate a commitment to strengthening craft’s role in contemporary American culture through their practice,
community engagement, and artistic vision.
prize benefits
Up to five artists will be selected annually to receive comprehensive support, including:
• $10,000 financial award to support their artistic practice
• Participation in the Spector Craft Summit, including workshops, seminars, and networking sessions
• Travel and accommodation costs covered for the Spector Craft Summit and awards ceremony
• Recognition across our platforms
• Mentorship opportunities with established craft artists and curators
• Peer networking sessions with fellow emerging artists
• Integration into a vital network of American craft professionals
eligibility
All applicants must:
• Be within the first 7 years of commencing their professional craft practice
• Be residents or citizens of the U.S. *
• Be 21 years of age or older at the time of application
• Submit high-resolution images of an artistic work created within the last 3 years
(further detail below)
• Be the sole creator of the submitted work
• Self-identify as an “emerging” craft artist who would benefit from
the Spector Craft Prize program
$10,000 financial award
Mentorship opportunities
Participation in the Summit
Professional network development
Disciplines Include:
Ceramics, Textiles, Woodworking, Glass, Metalwork, Basketry, Paper Arts
deadline: March 1, 2026
more info: https://spectorcraftprize.org
