The Robert Sutherland-Cohen Emerging Artist AWARD for Artistic Ingenuity
CITIZEN ARTS is pleased to announce The Robert Sutherland-Cohen Emerging Artist Award for Artistic Ingenuity. This award recognizes a New York City–based artist demonstrating sustained dedication to two distinct, independently pursued artistic practices.
ROBERT SUTHERLAND-COHEN
The award honors Robert Sutherland-Cohen, an artist, author, and educator whose distinguished careers in theatrical stage management and jazz photography reflect his enduring dedication to two distinct art forms. Beyond his own professional accomplishments, Robert has remained deeply committed to the artistic communities of which he is a part, generously supporting the work of fellow artists and fostering lasting connections among his colleagues. By naming this award in his honor, we hope to encourage that same dedication, generosity, and sense of community in a new generation of artists.
The award reflects Citizen Arts and Education's longstanding support of emerging artists and our belief in the value of pursuing multiple forms of creative expression. Even when developed independently, these pursuits contribute to an artist's broader creative identity and deepen their connections to different artistic communities.
AWARD INFORMATION
The award reflects Robert Sutherland-Cohen's dedication to his artistic practices and his longstanding commitment to supporting others in the arts. It recognizes an emerging artist whose curiosity and creative drive are evident in sustained work across two distinct artistic fields, each pursued independently rather than combined within a single multidisciplinary approach. These may include theater, music, dance, photography, visual art, film, literature, and design, among others disciplines. Applicants should show evidence of regular practice and a commitment to developing their skills in both fields. They don’t need to have the same level of experience or professional recognition in each. Equally important is their involvement in their artistic communities. Following Robert's example, the award values those who build relationships with fellow artists and generously support the work of others.
Award Amount: $500
Application Deadline: December 15, 2026
Recipient Announced: Late January 2027
*Award Ceremony: February 6, 2027
If you have any questions about the award, feel free to email us at info.citizen.arts@gmail.com.
ELIGIBILITY
The award is open to emerging artists who meet all of the following requirements:
Between 18 and 28 years old at the application deadline.
Actively pursuing work in two distinct artistic fields, independently of one another, with a demonstrated commitment to both.
Currently living in one of New York City's five boroughs: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, or Staten Island.
Not currently enrolled in a degree-granting program.
*Note: applicant must be available to attend the award ceremony on February 6, 2027 in NYC.
ABOUT ROBERT SUTHERLAND-COHEN
ROBERT SUTHERLAND-COHEN has built a career in the arts as a theatrical stage manager, jazz photographer, author, and educator. His work encompasses decades of theatrical productions, the documentation of jazz musicians and performances, and a longstanding commitment to teaching and mentorship.
In theater, Robert's stage management credits include productions on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and beyond. He is the author of Introduction to Production: Creating Theatre Onstage, Backstage & Offstage and a recipient of the Stage Managers' Association's Founders Award. As Professor Emeritus of Theater at Brooklyn College, he co-created the college's Stage Management program. A founding member and former chairman of the Stage Managers' Association, he also served as a founding board member of the Foundation for Stage Managers, where he holds board emeritus status.
As a jazz photographer, Robert has built a substantial body of work capturing musicians in performance and other settings. His photographs have appeared in leading jazz publications, including DownBeat, JazzTimes, The New York City Jazz Record, All About Jazz, and The Wire, as well as in album artwork for prominent musicians, including Wadada Leo Smith. His work has also been published in books, notably the Smithsonian's Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures (2023) and The Jazz Omnibus (2024), and featured in solo exhibitions in New York and Boston. His photography has received multiple nominations from the Jazz Journalists Association.
Robert's career offers an example of what it means to build a life in the arts through diverse creative pursuits and a sustained commitment to one's work and the work of others. In honoring Robert, this award also seeks to support artists at the beginning of their own careers.
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