Princess Grace Awards

The Princess Grace Awards identify and support extraordinary emerging artists in theater, dance, and film through unrestricted cash grants.

Focus Areas:

• Theater (directors, playwrights, designers, and performers)
• Dance (choreographers and performers)
• Film (directors and other creative professionals)

Geographic Scope: United States

Eligibility:

• Early career artists (emerging artists)
• Creative generators including but not limited to: theater directors, playwrights, designers, choreographers, film directors
• Performance-based creatives including but not limited to: actors, dancers
• Artists must be nominated by eligible nominators

Eligible Nominators:

• Deans/department chairs of non-profit universities, colleges, and professional training programs
• Artistic directors of non-profit theater, dance, and film organizations
• Previous Princess Grace Award winners

Additional Recognition:

• Honoraria recipients receive $1,000 unrestricted cash grant
• Award winners join a community of 800+ alumni with access to exclusive grant opportunities, career development, and networking
• Special Project Awards and Works in Progress Residencies available to past winners at Baryshnikov Arts Center

Foundation Background:

• Honors the legacy of Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco
• 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization based in New York City
• Has awarded over 800 recipients since inception

Notable Alumni: Emmy winner Cary Fukunaga, Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Stephen Hillenburg (SpongeBob SquarePants), Chinonye Chukwu (Sundance Grand Jury Prize), Tony Award winner Anna Shapiro, Tony Kushner (Pulitzer and Tony Award winner), Oscar Isaac (Golden Globe winner), Leslie Odom Jr. (Tony Award winner), Robert Battle (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Artistic Director), Gillian Murphy and Isabella Boylston (American Ballet Theatre), Tiler Peck (NYC Ballet), Kyle Abraham and Camille A. Brown (choreographers)

Contact:

• Email: info@pgfusa.org
• Phone: 212-317-1470
• Diana Kemppainen, Director of Programming: diana@pgfusa.org

Application Process

Two-Tier Application Structure (as of 2021):

1. Round 1: Nomination Submission
   • Nominated by eligible nominators only
   • Brief nomination submission
   • Deadline typically mid-February
2. Round 2: Full Application
   • Invited applicants submit full application
   • Deadline typically May 1

Required Materials:

• Standard application across all disciplines
• Self-identify primary and secondary discipline(s)
• Application reviewed by panelists representing identified disciplines

Grant Use:

• Unrestricted cash grants for general support including:
  • Housing
  • Studio space
  • Childcare needs
  • Research & development
  • Project-specific support
  • Tuition
  • Other professional needs

Special Programs:

• Playwriting Fellowship: Partnership with New Dramatists (20+ year partnership)
• Special Project Awards: For uniquely significant projects advancing artistic development
• Works in Progress Residencies: At Baryshnikov Arts Center

Selection Process:

• Applications reviewed by industry professionals and luminaries
• Panelists represent all disciplines identified by applicants
• Independent selection of both Princess Grace Award winners and Honoraria recipients

Post-Award Support:

• Exclusive grant opportunities for alumni
• Career development resources
• Networking opportunities
• Annual Princess Grace Awards Summit (virtual/in-person panels and celebrations)
• Professional mentorship pairing with previous award winners