Abbey Mural Prize

The Abbey Mural Prize, administered by the National Academy of Design, supports the creation and restoration of public murals across the United States. Established in 1932 to honor the legacy of illustrator and muralist Edwin Austin Abbey NA, this grant continues a long-standing tradition of fostering mural art as a vehicle for social activism, community engagement, and neighborhood revitalization. Since 1940, the National Academy has distributed funding to individuals and organizations committed to the public art form. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $40,000, with a total annual funding pool of up to $125,000. The awards support both the production and installation of murals on public buildings and those owned by charitable institutions. While the traditional format of murals includes paintings or mosaics on walls, the prize also encourages proposals that expand the definition of murals to include contemporary and unconventional interpretations of the medium. The 2025 award cycle is currently open, with submissions reviewed by a jury of National Academicians. Proposals must clearly articulate the project's conceptual vision, feasibility, and intended community impact. Key selection criteria include the project's relevance to its community, artistic merit, implementation plan, and appropriate use of funds. Projects must begin before June 30, 2026. Eligibility is broad, encompassing artists, architects, designers, arts organizations, nonprofits, and community-based groups. Applicants must identify a lead artist, secure permissions for the mural site from the property owner, and provide a letter of commitment on official letterhead from the hosting organization. Projects must take place in the U.S., its territories, or Tribal Nations, and the lead applicant must be at least 18 years old. To support applicants, the National Academy hosted an information session on April 9, 2025, and has made the recording and presentation slides available online. Additional FAQs and guidance are provided on the Abbey Mural Prize webpage. For further inquiries, applicants can contact the program via email at abbeymural@nationalacademy.org. The National Academy of Design is headquartered at 519 West 26th Street, Floor 2, New York, NY 10001, and can be reached at 212-369-4880.