2027 Awards

The FATE 2027 Conference Awards celebrate excellence and dedication across every stage of a teaching career. Our awards accept both self-nomination and nominations from peers – we encourage everybody across our field to apply directly and welcome nominations for our colleagues.

Every award includes a cash award, 1-year future FATE membership, and a waived conference fee. FATE membership should be current at the time of nomination or application. Awardees are expected to attend the 2027 FATE Conference and Awards ceremony, and are invited to join the next Awards Selection Panel.

Applications open November 23, 2026 and close December 18, 2026.
Awardees are notified in late January 2027.

FATE Distinguished Educator Award – $500 award that celebrates educators with an established teaching career marked by sustained excellence, leadership, and impact in the field of art or design foundations. Open to full-time, part-time, and instructor-of-record faculty at two- and four-year programs, with a demonstrated record of teaching excellence, leadership in the field, and community engagement.

FATE Emerging Educator Award – $500 award that celebrates educators early in their teaching practice who show exceptional potential and a deep commitment to their students, and who are already building the mentorship, collaboration, or advocacy that mark future leaders in the field. Open to educators at any stage of developing their practice, at any institution type.

FATE Community Award – $500 award that acknowledges an individual who fosters a profound sense of community and inclusivity across spaces within and beyond the classroom, cultivating an environment where each person feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. Awardees are additionally expected to attend the 2027 FATE DEIA session(s).

FATE Conference Travel Awards – $400 towards travel costs, supporting graduate students, contingent faculty, and emerging educators that may have limited institutional support for conference travel and participation. Requires a confirmed conference engagement (Session Chair, Co-Chair, Panelist, Speaker, Workshop, or Volunteer). Priority goes to applicants with demonstrated financial need and first-time attendees

• Applications Open: November 23, 2026
• Application Deadline: December 18, 2026
• Awards Committee Review: December – January 2027
• Awardees Notified: January 2027

The 2027 Awards are reviewed by FATE’s Awards Committee, chaired by Kevin Kao, Director of Finance, and is composed of FATE board members and community members representing a range of institutions and career stages across the field.

For more information, please contact us.