Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra
The RSO Quartet connects a string performance with The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum’s Decennial exhibition, inspired by the work of Connecticut-based visual artists.
The Masterwork Foundation / Awards & grants
For the work.
For the world.
An idea becomes a performance.
A performance becomes a connection.
It starts with someone believing in it.
Masterwork backs original work, community arts experiences and developing artists across music, dance, theatre and visual art.
Independent vision.
Shared possibility.Supporting the arts
since 1955
Shared possibility.Supporting the arts
since 1955
01 / Three ways we stand behind the arts
Different needs.
One belief in the work.
A new production, a shared experience, an artist’s next chapter. Each award responds to a different moment in the life of the arts.
Original work01
Premier
Award
Substantial support for ambitious original work, helping artistic ideas move toward audiences.
2026 recipientPremiere Stages$15,000 supporting four new plays
Explore the award ↓
Shared experiences02
Community
Arts Awards
Focused grants for projects that bring excellent artistic experiences into community life.
2026 recipientsFour arts organizationsMusic, movement and participation
Meet the projects ↓
Developing talent03
Emerging
Artist Award
Recognition and support for promising artists building a serious and distinctive creative life.
2025 recipientFadi J. KhouryDancer and choreographer / FJK Dance
Meet the artist ↓
A commitment across four disciplines
- Music
- Dance
- Theatre
- Visual art
Behind every awardReal artists. Work moving forward.
01 / Premier AwardTheatre · 2026
$15,0002026 Premier Award
From the first reading to opening night
Four scripts.
Four voices.
Room to become.
New plays need more than a finished script. They need the chance to be heard, developed and brought to life by performers.
Masterwork’s 2026 Premier Award supports four Premiere Play Festival finalists at Premiere Stages, the professional Equity theatre in residence at Kean University. This year’s award grew from $10,000 to $15,000, extending support from a full production to staged and public readings.
Explore the Premier AwardThe supported works
Words becoming
work.
2026 / Premiere Play Festival- 01
Everything’s Going My Way
Sophie Boyce
$10,000Full production - 02
Red Bell
Katherine Swan
$3,000Staged readings - 03
Next/Life
Matthew Capodicasa
$1,000Public reading - 04
Biting the Hand
Deneen Reynolds Knott
$1,000Public reading
02 / Community Arts AwardsNew Jersey + Connecticut · 2026
Art meets everyday life
Closer to home.
Closer to each other.
A gallery becomes a concert space. Choral music reaches a care facility. A bridge becomes a place to listen. These grants support the many ways art enters the places we share.
The Masterwork Chorus
The Reach Out program brings live choral music to seniors and people in assisted living, rehabilitation and healthcare facilities throughout Morris County.
Found Sound Circle
Sound Bridges transforms the Bettenbender Plaza bridge at Rutgers into a site-responsive listening and composition experience with ensemble members and participants.
FJK Dance
To Heart brings together contemporary dance, live painting, calligraphy, music, video and animation in a work inspired by Rumi and Middle Eastern culture.
Different art forms. Different settings.
More opportunities to take part.
03 / Emerging Artist Award
Artist in focus / 2025A language
only you
can create.
Fadi J. Khoury
Dancer. Choreographer. FJK Dance.Masterwork’s 2025 Emerging Artist Award recognizes Fadi J. Khoury, whose work brings movement and cultural traditions into conversation.
The award supports developing artists with serious promise, making room for the next chapter of an individual creative practice.
Discover the artist and the awardYour work / Your next step
Where does your
idea belong?
Start with the purpose of your work. These distinctions can help you choose a conversation with Masterwork; eligibility and application requirements depend on the award cycle.
On a small screen, swipe across to compare all three columns.
| What you’re working toward | Program to explore | An example of support |
|---|---|---|
| Bringing ambitious original work to life | Premier Award | Four new plays, supported through readings and a future full production. |
| Connecting people through an arts project | Community Arts Awards | Concerts, choral outreach, participatory sound and multimedia dance. |
| Developing an individual artistic practice | Emerging Artist Award | Recognition for Fadi J. Khoury’s creative work in dance. |
A little clarity
Good questions.
A place to begin.
Not sure which program fits? A short description of your work is a good starting point.
Contact the FoundationWhich art forms does Masterwork support?
Masterwork’s work spans music, dance, theatre and visual art. Individual awards and supported projects may focus on a particular discipline or bring several art forms together.
Can I apply right now?
Contact Masterwork for current award-cycle information. The recipients and grant amounts on this page describe recent awards. They do not confirm that applications are currently open.
Are these grants for artists or organizations?
The programs serve different purposes. The Premier and Community Arts examples here support work through arts organizations, while the Emerging Artist Award recognizes an individual artist. Confirm the applicant requirements for your intended program with the Foundation.
What should I include when I get in touch?
A useful introductory email can include your art form, a short description of the work, who it is for, your proposed timing and a link to relevant examples. These are conversation starters, not a substitute for the official application requirements.
Are future awards the same size as the amounts listed here?
The amounts listed belong to the named recipients and award years. Future award amounts, the number of recipients and terms should be confirmed with Masterwork.
How can I support the artists and projects?
Explore the Support section to learn about individual giving, Angel’s Circle and corporate support. You can also contact the Foundation to discuss how you would like to contribute. Explore ways to give ↗
Every next masterwork begins somewhere.
Bring your idea.
Let’s talk about possibility.
Tell Masterwork what you’re creating, who you hope to reach and what would help you take the next step.
Start a conversationOr help make someone else’s work possible ↗