Robert Motherwell First Book Award
Robert Motherwell First Book Award supports authors through a prize for outstanding published first books that contribute significantly to the history and criticism of modernism across the arts.
Funder: Dedalus Foundation
Due Dates: October 15, 2026 (Nominations open) | December 16, 2026 (Publisher nomination deadline)
Funding Amounts: $10,000 prize for one winning book
Summary: An annual prize recognizing outstanding first books that contribute significantly to the history and criticism of modernism across the arts.
Key Information: Nominations must be made by publishers, not directly by authors.
Description
The Robert Motherwell First Book Award is an annual prize administered by the Dedalus Foundation to recognize outstanding first books that make significant contributions to the history and criticism of modernism. Its scope includes the visual arts, literature, music, and the performing arts. Rather than funding a proposed research project, the award honors an author's published work.
Modernism is broadly defined for the award: books may address art created from the mid-nineteenth century through the present. The program's central priority is the significance of a book's contribution to modernism's history and criticism. A jury of three distinguished scholars and writers selects the winner from publisher nominations.
