2027 Elizabeth R. Raphael Founder’s Prize Award Exhibition – Contemporary Works in Small Metals
In 1997, the Elizabeth R. Raphael Founder’s Prize was established to recognize excellence in contemporary craft, with a focus on the theme of transformation. Named for Elizabeth Rockwell Raphael (1920-1998), the founder of Contemporary Craft, this biennial juried exhibition has built a significant international legacy. It highlights both emerging and established artists who push the boundaries of clay, glass, metal, wood and found materials—challenging traditional techniques and reimagining craft in innovative and thought-provoking ways.
This program offers a $5,000 grand prize award in conjunction with a video profile, exhibition catalog, and a juried group exhibition—Transformation Series. Prizes are selected by medium, with the designated medium changing with each award.
JURYING PROCESS
Jurying will take place in TWO phases. From the initial submissions, a group of finalists will be invited to submit a new work on the selected theme for the final jurying and inclusion in the Raphael Prize exhibition. Only one work per artist may be provided for final jurying. Artists are eligible to include work made after May 2026.
FINALISTS (TWO PHASES) & NOTIFICATION
Phase I – Finalists will be notified by July 15, 2026 of their selection for inclusion in the Raphael Prize exhibition and catalogue.
Phase II – The prize-winning entry will be chosen from among the works submitted by these finalists for the second round of jurying. The winner of the prize will be notified by May 1, 2027 (embargo) and the winner will be announced at the exhibition opening. Finalists should be prepared to submit two or three additional pieces for the exhibition if they are selected as the Raphael Prize winner.
2027 RAPHAEL PRIZE CALENDAR (Two Phases)
(Phase I) Call for Artists begins April 1, 2026
Deadline for receipt of application May 31, 2026
Notification of Finalists July 15, 2026
(Phase II) Deadline for Finalists’ digital submissions February 28, 2027
Final work to be delivered by April 1, 2027
Notification of prize winners May 1, 2027
Exhibition schedule May 28, 2027 – September 4, 2027
SHIPPING
Artists who are selected as finalists will be responsible for one-way transportation of works to Contemporary Craft; Contemporary Craft will pay return transportation costs and insurance for the work that arrive in a ready-to-ship condition. Works must be packed securely and double boxed in reusable containers with thorough re-packing instructions and complete forms for return.
PRIZE
In addition to being featured in the group exhibition and an exhibition catalog, the prize winner receives a $5,000 cash award, and a 5-7 minute video will be made of the artist and their work.
fee: Yes $45
deadline: 11:59 p.m. EDT on May 31, 2026
more info: https://contemporarycraft.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2027-RP-Prospectus-Final.pdf
