HomeMy WebLinkAboutACC 07-27-2026 PresentationsACC 07-27-2026
#2
2026 Artist Awards Program and
Theme Selection
Presentations
Arts and Culture Commission
2026 Artist Awards Program
July 27, 2026
Agenda
•Background
•Artist Awards Descriptions
•Art Submission Types
•Application Requirements
•Evaluation Criteria
•Timeline
•Next Steps
Background
•Program started in 1988
•Recognition of Artists in Cupertino
•Program Materials updated in 2024
The 2025 Artist Award Winners Display can be viewed at the Cupertino Library
Artist Awards Descriptions
Distinguished Artist - $1,000 for Platinum Winner
•Recognizes established artists having a
substantial body of work that display merit and
excellence, as well as a history of contributions
to their artistic field and the community.
•Prior winners of the Distinguished Artist Award
have taught art classes, participated in shows or
performances, and won awards for their work.
Artist Awards Descriptions
Emerging Artist - $750 for Platinum Winner
•Established to encourage and recognize
demonstrations of artistic promise.
•This award recognizes younger artists as
well as those rediscovering their love of
artistic expression later in life.
Artist Awards Descriptions
Young Artist - $150 to each Age Group Winner
•This award is presented to deserving young
artists in recognition of local achievements
in the visual arts in the following age
groups:
•Group A (6 to10 years old)
•Group B (11 to 14 years old)
Art Submission Types
•Visual Arts (Painting, drawing,
photography, sculpture)
•Young Artist Award Category focuses on Visual
Arts Only
•Performing Arts (Dance, music, theater)
•Literary Arts (Poetry, essay writing)
•Digital Arts (Film, video)
Application Requirements
Distinguished/Emerging Artist Award Online Application
•Personal Statement (maximum 1 page)
•One Letter of Endorsement and/or Support
•Digital Portfolio (up to 3 pieces)
•One piece in the portfolio must connect to the 2025
awards program theme.
•Resume and Exhibition Record (if any and maximum 2 pages)
Young Artist Award Online Application
•Artwork Entry
All applicants must live in Cupertino or attend an educational
institution or art school physically located within Cupertino.
Evaluation Criteria
•Media/Tools
•Creativity and Originality
•Personal Statement*
•Design and Composition**
*Emerging and Distinguished Artists Only
**Distinguished Artists Only
2026 Timeline
Finalize Artist Awards
Program Theme
July
Commissioners Begin Outreach
August
Applications Open
September 1
September
Applications Close October 1 at 4:30 p.m.
October
Commissioners Evaluate
and Select Award
Winners
November
Commission Presents
Awards at the Arts and
Culture Commission Artist
Awards Ceremony and
Art Exhibition.
January
Next Steps
Discuss and Select 2026 Artist Awards Program
Theme
•Examples from Previous Years:
•Your Vision for the Future of Cupertino*
•Your Dreams for the Future*
•A Day Without Screen Time*
•What Makes Me Smile*
•The Year 2020 – The New Normal*
•Artist’s Identity: What Influences You*
•Building Sustainable Community
•Threads that Bind Us
*Young Artist Awards Category Only