The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art announced this week that its biennial artistic awards program, the BRAVA Awards (BIMA Recognizes Achievement in the Visual Arts), will be returning with applications opening April 1.

The BRAVA Awards were originally inspired by museum founder Cynthia Sears who was a passionate advocate for craftspeople and creative makers. The awards are specifically designed to make a direct impact in the lives and careers of contemporary working artists and craftspeople, as well as on the local arts scene, a release noted.

Winners who are chosen by the independent jury committee will receive a reward of $15,000 alongside a short video recognition, promotional efforts, and a live award ceremony. 

“While it’s uncommon for museums of our size to create an award program, BIMA believes our mission demands that we find ways to help artists directly. We want to do more than champion and share artists’ work – we want to be a vital part of a sustaining ecosystem. From the moment we announced this program, artists immediately recognized the opportunity and responded,” BIMA’s Executive Director Sheila Hughes shared in the release.

The awards include four categories of recognition: Native American & First Nations Artist Award, Artists’ Books Artists Award, Emerging Artist Award, and the 2025 Special Choice Award: Children’s Book Illustrator Award.

Find more information about the recognition categories, the selection process, and how to apply, visit biartmuseum.org.