Bronx Recognizes its Own (BRIO)

Overview

For over 35 years, the Bronx Recognizes Its Own (BRIO) award has recognized artists from a wide range of creative disciplines who demonstrate proficiency, knowledge, and intense practice in their chosen art form. Each year, BRIO provides direct support to individual Bronx artists who create works in literary, media, visual, and performing arts. Artists who have received a BRIO award represent the vast diversity of Bronx residents, inclusive of all ethnicities, ages, and genders. Over three decades, BCA has distributed over $2 million in support to over 600 artists.

Award

• Award: $5,000 unrestricted grant
• Supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council

Eligibility

• Must be 18 years old or older
• Must be a resident of the Bronx (proof of residency required)
• Must have an email address and Social Security number
• Cannot be a full-time graduate or undergraduate student
• Cannot be a 2025 BRIO award recipient
• Cannot work for BCA

Categories

• Literary Arts: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Playwriting, Screenwriting, Illustrated Text
• Media Arts: Digital Arts, Film or Video (Narrative/Documentary/Experimental), Film Animation
• Performing Arts: Acting, Choreography, Dance, Instrumental Music Performance, Vocal Music Performance, Music Composition, Performance Poetry/Spoken Word, Storytelling
• Visual Arts 2-D: Artist book, Digital Visual Art, Drawing, Illustration, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Mixed Media, Street Art
• Visual Arts 3-D: Installation Art, Mixed Media, Performance Art, Sculpture, Architecture, Crafts, Graphic Design

Application Requirements

Submit only one application in one discipline. Work samples must be from work created in the last 5 years (between 2021–2025). Work samples must not contain any identifying information (name, email, etc.). Identifying information in any part of the application, including file names, will render the application ineligible. Submit only materials necessary for your discipline. Any incomplete application at the time of panel review will be ineligible.

Key Dates

• Application deadline: Friday, January 2, 2026, at 11:59 PM
• Award notification: Spring 2026 via email
• Awards ceremony: June 2026

Selection Process

BRIO is reviewed on a blind submission process. New panels of arts professionals are convened each year to select grantees. All materials and information involved in the process are kept confidential and are viewed anonymously by panelists. Work samples are assigned a code number. Panelists evaluate submissions based only on the materials they are viewing, hearing, or reading, and select grantees whose work demonstrates innovative approach, boundary-pushing, technical expertise, ingenuity and rigor, awareness of the medium within historical context, and compelling vision and original voice.

Artists for Community Enrichment (ACE)

Grantees are required to complete a one-time public service activity known as Artists for Community Enrichment (ACE) within one year of receiving the award. ACE events range from performances with Q&As to workshops and classes, provide artists with additional visibility, and demonstrate the wealth of artistic talent available in the borough.

How to Apply

Create an account on BCA's online grants portal Submittable.com. Application links are available online at www.bronxarts.org beginning November 7, 2025. Detailed guidelines for each category are available on the Submittable application forms.