The Jacob’s Pillow Dance Award is an important way the Pillow supports the creativity of visionary artists.
The Award was created in 2007 by an anonymous donor whose commitment to an ongoing annual gift to Jacob’s Pillow of $50,000 is generous and far-reaching.
The Award, presented each year at the Season Opening Gala to an artist of exceptional vision, carries a cash prize of $25,000 which the artist can use in any way they wish. The honoree also receives a custom-designed glass sculpture by Berkshire-based artist Tom Patti, whose work is in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art in New York, among other prominent institutions worldwide.
The remaining $25,000 of the annual gift supports Jacob’s Pillow commissions, presentations, and the creation of new work through a Pillow Lab residency. During these residencies, artists are invited to spend one to three weeks at the Pillow creating or rehearsing new work, with free housing for the company, unlimited use of studio space, and access to the Pillow’s rare and extensive Archives and other Pillow resources. In the beautiful, retreat-like atmosphere of the Pillow, the Pillow Lab residencies are rare opportunities for artists to focus on the creative process without distraction.
For general artist inquiries, please complete this form. Questions? Email artistinquiry@
Jacob’s Pillow Dance Award recipients
2024: Pam Tanowitz
2023: Misty Copeland
2022: Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui
2021: Dormeshia
2020: Ronald K. Brown
2019: Annabelle Lopez Ochoa
2018: Faye Driscoll
2017: Liz Lerman
2016: Camille A. Brown
2015: Liz Gerring, Liz Gerring Dance Company
2014: John Heginbotham, Dance Heginbotham
2013: Michelle Dorrance, Dorrance Dance
2012: Kyle Abraham, Abraham.In.Motion
2011: Crystal Pite, Kidd Pivot
2010: Bill T. Jones, Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company
2009: Merce Cunningham, Merce Cunningham Dance Company
2008: Alonzo King, Alonzo King’s LINES Ballet
2007: Annie-B Parson and Paul Lazar, Big Dance Theater