The Jack K. and Gertrude Murphy Award and the Edwin Anthony and Adalaine Boudreaux Cadogan Scholarships help fuel the forward-thinking visual arts movement that makes the Bay Area unique. Established in 1986, these awards further the development of Bay Area MFA students and foster the exploration of their artistic potential. The winners of the Murphy Award and the Cadogan Scholarships receive financial awards (award amounts to be determined when applications reopen) and displays their work in a professionally curated group exhibition at SOMArts Cultural Center.
This exhibition and program is produced in partnership with the San Francisco Foundation. The San Francisco Foundation is committed to a Bay Area where everyone can get a good job, live in a safe and affordable home, and exercise their political voice. The Foundation advances its work through grantmaking, partnerships with donors, policy advocacy, and impact investing.
Applications for the 2025 awards are now open
Eligibility
- The Murphy Award and Cadogan Scholarships are available to Bay Area MFA (not MA) students to underwrite tuition for their continued academic study. These awards assist students enrolled in an MFA program to develop and explore their artistic potential in painting, sculpture, hybrid practice, installation art, mixed media, drawing, and photography. See this guide to check if you are eligible to apply.
- Students must be currently enrolled at: Stanford, California College of the Arts, the University of California, Berkeley, San Francisco State University, and San Jose State University.
- Students must have completed at least one semester of graduate study as of January 1, 2025, be continuously enrolled in the same program, and be in good standing through Fall 2025. Award recipients may be required to provide proof of continuing school enrollment through Fall 2025.
- Previous winners of the Murphy or Cadogan awards are not eligible to apply.
- Will have their MFA exhibition take place in Spring of 2026 or later
- There is no application fee.
2023 Murphy & Cadogan Contemporary Art Awardees