Don Tyson Prize
The Don Tyson Prize for the Advancement of American Art was established in honor of the late Don Tyson, former chairman and CEO of Tyson Foods. The prize, which carries a $200,000 cash award, is open to living individuals or institutions working in any medium and located in the United States. It recognizes those who have changed the way we look at, think about, or experience art and impacted the field through innovation, outside-the-box thinking, and risk taking. In doing so, the recipients have raised awareness, challenged preconceived notions, removed barriers, and ultimately increased accessibility.
Now Accepting Applications for the 2026 Don Tyson Prize through May 31, 2026.
Past Awards
Past winners include the Archives of American Art (2016), artist Vanessa German (2018), community organization Project Row Houses (2020), Deborah Willis (2022), and Nicholas Galanin (Tlingit-Unangax̂) (2024). Winning organizations/individuals are those who can demonstrate one or more of the following: Changed the way we look at, think about, or experience art Increased access to art in their community Broadened the reach of art through inclusivity Impacted the field through innovation and risk-taking Navigated current issues in creative and inspiring ways
The Don Tyson Prize for the Advancement of American Art was established in honor of the late Don Tyson, former chairman and CEO of Tyson Foods. The prize, which carries a $200,000 cash award, is open to living individuals or institutions working in any medium and located in the United States. It recognizes those who have changed the way we look at, think about, or experience art and impacted the field through innovation, outside-the-box thinking, and risk taking. In doing so, the recipients have raised awareness, challenged preconceived notions, removed barriers, and ultimately increased accessibility.
“My father, for whom the prize is named, was a believer in education, American history, and the American spirit,” said John Tyson, chairman of Tyson Foods. “This type of accolade for the work being done to advance American art would have been very meaningful to him.”
Press Releases
2018 – Crystal Bridges Announces Vanessa German as the Don Tyson Prize Recipient
2016 – Crystal Bridges Announces Archives of American Art as First Recipient of the Don Tyson Prize
Past winners include the Archives of American Art (2016), artist Vanessa German (2018), community organization Project Row Houses (2020), Deborah Willis (2022), and Nicholas Galanin (Tlingit-Unangax̂) (2024). Winning organizations/individuals are those who can demonstrate one or more of the following:
Changed the way we look at, think about, or experience art
Increased access to art in their community
Broadened the reach of art through inclusivity
Impacted the field through innovation and risk-taking
Navigated current issues in creative and inspiring ways