The Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassART) has announced that award nominations are due today. Self-nominations are accepted.
The MassART Common Good Awards is a new category; the awards ceremony for that and two other categories is set for Dec. 16, at the institution's design and media center, to celebrate the college's 150th anniversary and recognize the contributions of individuals and organizations at the intersection of civic life, arts and culture, according to a press release. MassART is looking to honor artists who push the boundaries of advocacy and teaching in their work. Qualifying applicants must place emphasis on the public influence of art and its role in problem-solving and quality of life.
The college is allowing open calls for nominations, including visual and performing arts, literature, film, fashion, design, advocacy, administration and creative economy. The deadline is today, Oct. 2; those interested can access the form here >> and read more about requirements below:
There are three categories of awards to be given out in December. The Alumni Award, given to an artist who attended the college; the Frances Euphemia Thompson Award, which acknowledges the contributions of a current or retired public school teacher in Massachusetts; and the MassArt Common Good Awards, for a wide range of individuals and organizations.
According to the college, artists are not required to be affiliated with either MassArt or the state in order to apply for the Common Good Awards, however artists with ties to the commonwealth are expected to be prioritized.
“As the only independent public college of art and design in the United States, MassArt has been the catalyst for an important conversation about how art, culture and design can and should be considered in everything we do,” wrote Patrick Tutwiler, Secretary of Education for Massachusetts, as quoted in the release. “These awards serve as the impetus of that work here in Massachusetts and an important reminder to reimagine the value of arts and culture in public life.”
The December ceremony is planned to be open to the public. More information about the event is expected to come in November.
MassArt is a public, independent institution that prepares artists, designers and educators to shape communities, economies and cultures for the common good.
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This news announcement was published Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, based on information from the The Castle Group's media contact, Kenna McCafferty.
