2026 Murphy & Cadogan Contemporary Art Awards Exhibition @ SOMArts

Curated by Kevin B. Chen

Marking the 40th anniversary of the awards, SOMArts Cultural Center and the San Francisco Foundation are honored to present the 2026 Murphy and Cadogan Contemporary Art Awards Exhibition, featuring 15 emerging visual artists developing their artistic practices through painting, sculpture, hybrid practice, installation art, mixed media, drawing, and photography. The exhibition is free and open to all ages, and will be on view in SOMArts’ Main Gallery from October 17–November 15, 2026.

About the Awards

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. These awards were established in 1986 and are designed to further the development of Bay Area master of fine arts students and to 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). Each winner also has their work displayed in a professionally curated exhibition by Kevin B. Chen at SOMArts Cultural Center.