For Artists

Artist's Innovation Award

Artist's Innovation Award logo

Program Description

In order to foster environments where the innovation and creativity of artists are valued and celebrated, this program rewards Montana artists who have demonstrated:

  • Innovation in their work and artwork
  • Originality and dedication in their creative pursuits
  • A marked capacity for self-direction

How We Define Innovation

Innovation is the act of introducing something new or different to further an artist’s vision and practice. This can mean new methods, applications, perspectives, elements, forms, materials and/or processes that result from study, experimentation or experiences.

2011 Artist's Innovation Award Winners

Eleven Montana artists received $3,000 as winners of the 2011 Artist's Innovation Award. The Artist's Innovation Award is made possible by funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. One of the eleven awards is designated for a ceramics artist; the Jessie Wilber and Frances Senska Individual Artist Award, established by a private gift to the arts council from Stacy Hamm and Sage Walden.

Past Winners

  • David Cates, Literary Arts, Missoula, 2010
  • Erick Funk, Performing Arts, Bozeman, 2010
  • Kristi Hager, Performing Arts, Missoula, 2010
  • Jerry Iverson, Visual Arts, Big Timber, 2009
  • Dave Kirk, Visual Arts, Willow Creek, 2009
  • Katherine Kramer, Performing Arts, Bozeman, 2010
  • Melissa Kwasny, Literary Arts, Jefferson City, 2010
  • Molly Murphy, Visual Arts, Missoula, 2009
  • Lori Ryker, Visual Arts, Livingston, 2009
  • Phoebe Toland, Visual Arts, Helena, 2009
  • Lea Zoltowski, Visual Arts, Billings, 2009

Award Cycles

The application site for the next round of awards will open in July of 2013.

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