Public art in the country’s most vulnerable areas often depends heavily on local institutions and their drive to beautify areas that have fallen on hard times. To recognize the vital role of these community organizations, beginning in 2024, the NMAs have added a Community Award category with the aim of lifting up local nonprofits and foundations who have funded, coordinated and/or commissioned public murals that have made a quantifiable difference in their community through education, job creation, artist support, and overall neighborhood aesthetics.

Eligibility
Only non-profit groups and community organizations may enter. If you are an individual artist looking for recognition for a project you completed, you may qualify for the Artist Awards.

Judging
Judging is not based the look or aesthetic of the finished mural, but on the effectiveness of the artwork in relation to achieving the project’s stated goal as well as how the organization used the artwork to connect with the community to promote or execute the stated mission.

How to Apply
Applications for the 2027 Community Awards will open in January, check back then!