The SECA Art Award is a contemporary art award program that has been organized by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) and supported by its auxiliary SECA (Society for the Encouragement of Contemporary Art) since 1967 to honor San Francisco Bay Area artists. It includes an SFMoMA exhibition, an accompanying catalogue, and a modest cash prize. The SECA Art Award distinguishes “artists working independently at a high level of artistic maturity whose work has not, at the time of recommendation, received substantial recognition." Currently, the SECA Art Award exhibition occurs biennially. Two SFMoMA assistant curators make the selection of finalists and award winners and co-organize the SECA Art Award exhibition. The high-profile, ongoing exhibition series often provides artists with their first major exposure at a large institution. A number of past Art Award recipients and finalists are represented in SFMoMA's permanent collection and have been included in collection-based presentations.

About

SECA (also known as, the Society for the Encouragement of Contemporary Art) group was originally founded in 1961 as an auxiliary of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in order to find young artists. The art interest group brings together collectors, curators, arts professionals, and artists through a variety of events that strengthen members' knowledge of contemporary art and appreciation of the local art community. By 1976, the SECA group began awarding prizes. Winning the award gives professional recognition to San Francisco Bay Area artists and allows them to secure funds for a new commission and an exhibition at SFMOMA.

SECA Art Award history

List of SECA Art Award winners