Special Awards in the Arts
Created in 1987, Gerbode Foundation’s Special Awards in the Arts Program has supported the development of new works in dance, theater production, and music composition. These nationally respected awards have helped underwrite acclaimed new works that are culturally and aesthetically diverse, by emerging, mid-career and legacy artists. These grants have supported artists at critical junctures in their careers; enabled local nonprofit arts groups to produce and premiere original works; and enriched Bay Area audiences by showcasing the region’s most promising new works.
Please click here to view Special Awards in the Arts recipients since 1987.
This program is made possible with generous support from The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
Special Awards in the Arts program updates
February 28, 2024
2024 Dance & Movement Awards round announced. View Program Guidelines and Eligibility here. Download Application form here.
June 6, 2024; 4pm PST
2024 Dance & Movement Awards deadline. Application materials must be emailed to special.awards@gerbode.org. Late or incomplete submissions will not be eligible. Gerbode Foundation staff will confirm receipt of all applications once received so there is no need to follow-up. View Application Checklist here.
September 2024
2024 Dance & Movement Awards applicants notified regarding the status of their application.
February 2025
2025 Theater Awards round announced. Program guidelines and application will be made available. Deadline will be in May 2025. Click here to be added to the email announcement list.
February 2026
2026 Music & Sound Design Awards round announced. Program guidelines and application will be made available. Deadline will be in May 2026. Click here to be added to the email announcement list.