Abbey Mural Prize

The Abbey Mural Prize, administered by the National Academy of Design, is a longstanding grant program established in 1932 to honor the legacy of muralist and illustrator Edwin Austin Abbey NA. The prize was conceived to encourage the creation and preservation of public murals across the United States and has become a respected source of funding for public art that serves as a vehicle for community engagement, social activism, and neighborhood revitalization. Since its first awards in 1940, the Abbey Mural Prize has funded hundreds of mural projects that reflect a wide range of artistic expression and public service, reinforcing the enduring power of murals in shaping public space and dialogue. The Abbey Mural Prize supports new murals and mural restorations on public buildings or buildings owned by charitable institutions within the U.S., Tribal Nations, and U.S. territories. Projects must be planned with appropriate permissions from property owners, including a letter of commitment on official letterhead. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $40,000 in minimally restricted support for production and installation. A total of $125,000 is awarded annually, and applicants may be awarded partial or full funding at the discretion of the jury. While murals are traditionally defined as wall paintings or mosaics, this program embraces contemporary interpretations that expand the definition of a mural. Eligible applicants include individual artists, architects, designers, as well as nonprofit and community-based organizations. The designated lead artist must be confirmed before applying and must be at least 18 years old. Projects must begin before June 30, 2027. All proposed sites must be within U.S. jurisdictions and must have secured necessary legal permissions. The program encourages applicants to consider accessibility and local community benefit in their mural projects, aligning with the prize's mission of fostering inclusivity and public engagement. Applications are currently being accepted for the 2026 award cycle, with a final deadline of May 18, 2026. To support applicants, the National Academy of Design will host an informational session on April 15, 2026, from 3:00 to 4:00 PM ET. This session is intended to help applicants better understand the application process and enhance the quality of submissions. While attendance is not mandatory, participation is strongly encouraged to improve competitiveness. Proposals are evaluated by a jury composed of National Academicians—distinguished members of the National Academy of Design—who bring expertise in art and architecture. Selection is based on several criteria: the conceptual strength of the proposal, demonstrated capacity to execute the project, feasibility of budget and scope, and the project's potential impact on its local community. The Prize especially values projects that enhance accessibility to the arts and establish strong community connections. Applicants are encouraged to consult the Abbey Mural Prize FAQ for additional guidance, and inquiries not addressed by the FAQ may be directed to the program’s email, [email protected]. The National Academy of Design is located at 519 West 26th Street, Floor 2, New York, NY 10001. More information about the Academy and its grantmaking programs can be found on its official website.

Applicants are encouraged to attend the information session and show clear community benefit, feasibility, and mural accessibility.