DAG Basis Launches New $20,000 Annual Prize for Visible Artists


The DAG Basis has created a brand new, annual $20,000 award geared toward supporting early and mid-career visible artists working in the USA.

“We needed to attempt to fill a niche by reaching artists which can be at some extent the place they’ve established themselves they usually’re hard-working, however they won’t have the assets to succeed in the subsequent stage, they usually’re actually not on the identical stage but the place every thing’s straightforward and comfortable,” DAG Basis co-founder Alyssa Graham instructed ARTnews. “The individuals who have began a profession and are considerably completed, however haven’t gained the massive awards but or haven’t been rewarded for his or her accomplishments but, financially.”

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DAG Foundation Launches New $20,000 Annual Prize for Visual Artists

One artist will likely be awarded the prize every year. These thought-about can not have gained, or been a finalist for, a serious nationwide or worldwide artwork prize. The winner of the DAG Prize for visible arts will be capable of use the funds for supplies, studio area, exhibition prices, journey for analysis, or different assets essential to create and current a brand new visible artwork undertaking.

There will even be annual DAG Prizes of $20,000 for musicians and writers. Functions for the visible arts prize open on February 1.

The DAG Basis was established by Alyssa and Douglas Graham, the romantic and musical companions behind the choice pop group The Grahams, in addition to cofounders of the document label and recording studio 3Sirens Music Group.

The Grahams instructed ARTnews the aim of the DAG Prize will likely be to essentially prioritize originality and variety, together with lots of outreach to make sure a various pool of purposes.

“There’s a lot artwork on the market that’s unacceptable and never celebrated as a result of it doesn’t both match a sure customary that individuals are searching for or it’s not what the collectors are searching for, perhaps as a result of they’ve been instructed by different collectors what they’re alleged to be searching for,” Alyssa Graham mentioned, noting the couple’s latest attendance at Artwork Basel Miami Seaside. “It’s fairly evident throughout the board in all three disciplines.”

To be eligible to use for the DAG Prize, visible artists should have two of the next standards: a small artwork grant or prize, a residency at a good arts colony, an MFA from an accredited studio arts program, a solo present at a curated gallery or artist-run area, participation in a gaggle present at a curated gallery or artist-run area, opinions or interviews in respected arts publications, a number of items in a prestigious gallery or museum, and work on a brand new undertaking that’s considerably underway.

Notably, the prize is open to candidates who presently reside in the USA, however shouldn’t be restricted to artists with US citizenship or inexperienced card holders.

“The intent is that you’re residing in the USA and that your artwork goes to contribute to the panorama of American artwork,” Douglas Graham mentioned.

Along with particulars about previous reveals and an artist’s assertion, candidates for the DAG Prize in visible arts are additionally anticipated to incorporate their favourite earlier collections of works, what their future targets are, and present a brand new undertaking that’s underway or they’re fascinated by producing. “They must be pondering in the direction of the longer term,” Douglas Graham mentioned.

The Grahams mentioned the concept for the DAG Prizes began in 2018 after many years of expertise as struggling working professionals themselves, some deep enthusiastic about the way to assist different artists and the surprising loss of life of Douglas’s mom. “She left us an sum of money that allowed us to type of cushion our life, which was 40 years of struggling as artists, but it surely additionally allowed us to place a few of it to good use,” Alyssa Graham mentioned.

The thought for 3 separate prizes got here from Douglas Graham’s experiences. He has acted because the designer for his band and even labored as an artist on the facet.

In the end, whereas The Grahams have achieved many interviews as musicians, giving out prizes to artists is a “entire new world” for the couple looking for to ascertain a legacy for his or her six-year-old daughter in serving to preserve arts and tradition alive in the USA.

“We’re simply attempting to assist assist particular person artists who actually have one thing to say,” Alyssa Graham mentioned. “We’re attempting to present them the monetary stability to take the time to say it with what it’s they should say and and construct a world for our daughter.”

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