The Seattle Prize
Modern patronage for timeless art. We commission exceptional artists to create masterworks, providing stipends, studio space, and the freedom to pursue beauty without compromise.
Applications open February 14th. Apply now.
About
The Seattle Prize is a pioneering initiative by the Conru Art Foundation designed to revive the historic tradition of artistic patronage for the 21st century. We provide exceptionally talented artists the freedom to create "slow art"—ambitious masterworks grounded in beauty and truth—unburdened by immediate commercial pressures.
Operating from a purpose-built atelier in Seattle's historic Pioneer Square, our fellows receive sustained, holistic support. Beyond generous stipends, we provide dedicated studio space, mentorship, and a collaborative environment where artists can focus entirely on enriching our cultural landscape with art that resonates with the core of our shared humanity.
Meet the Team
The Instigator
Andrew Conru
Andrew Conru's path has been unconventional – from a small Indiana farm to a Stanford PhD, becoming an internet pioneer more interested in fostering human connection than pure commerce. Through the Conru Art Foundation, he applies his inventive, service-oriented mindset to address societal needs for deeper meaning. An amateur artist himself, he believes in art's power to heal and unite. The Seattle Prize is an "experiment with love" to nurture artists and explore art's potential to enrich lives.
Artistic Facilitator
Tenaya Sims
Tenaya Sims brings a rare blend of high-level creative industry experience (Crystal Dynamics, Activision) and deep immersion in classical art traditions (Watts Atelier, apprenticeship with Juliette Aristides). As founder of the Georgetown Atelier and an award-winning artist himself (ARC Salon Best in Show, exhibitions at Salmagundi Club and MEAM Barcelona), he possesses intimate knowledge of both ambitious art creation and the Seattle art landscape.
Tenaya isn't just overseeing the program; he's a key part of the experiment – managing day-to-day operations while also undertaking a significant commission as a participating fellow.