Robert Motherwell Book Award
The Robert Motherwell Book Award from the Dedalus Foundation honors an outstanding scholarly book on the history and criticism of modernism in the arts.
Funder: Dedalus Foundation
Due Dates: October 15, 2026 (Nominations open) | December 16, 2026 (Nominations deadline)
Funding Amounts: $10,000 prize to the author of the winning book; awarded annually.
Summary: Recognizes an outstanding English-language publication on the history and criticism of modernism in the arts, awarded to the author.
Key Information: Nominations must be submitted by publishers; anthologies and essay collections are not eligible.
Description
The Robert Motherwell Book Award, administered by the Dedalus Foundation, honors an exceptional publication in the history and criticism of modernism in the arts—including visual arts, literature, music, and performing arts. This prestigious annual award is given to the author of a book that demonstrates scholarly excellence and makes a significant contribution to the understanding of modernism. The winner is chosen by a jury of distinguished scholars and writers from among publisher-nominated books.
