2022 inductees

The National Academy of Design is delighted to announce that 17 artists and architects from across the United States have been elected as National Academicians. Recognized for their contributions to contemporary American art and architecture, this year’s class of newly elected Academicians includes:

Laurie Anderson, Edgar Arceneaux, Radcliffe Bailey, Deborah Berke, Huma Bhabha, Tania Bruguera, J. Yolande Daniels, Leonardo Drew, Nicole Eisenman, Julie Eizenberg, Hank Koning, Rick Lowe, Jean Shin, Arthur Simms, Michael Van Valkenburgh, Dan Walsh, Nari Ward

The annual nomination and election of National Academicians dates back to the National Academy’s founding as America’s first artist-led arts organization in 1825. New Academicians are nominated and elected by the current members of the National Academy, a community of 450 artists and architects across the country.

“The election of new Academicians each year captures the breadth and diversity of cultural practice in America," noted Gregory Wessner, Executive Director, National Academy of Design. “Spanning both art and architecture, it is a particularly meaningful honor for newly-elected Academicians because it represents recognition by a broad community of working artists and architects."

Upon election, Academicians are invited to donate a representative work – called a Diploma Work – to the National Academy’s collection. With more than 8,000 paintings, sculptures, works on paper, architectural drawings and models, and more, the National Academy’s collection has been assembled almost entirely through the donations of its artists and architect members. It is one of the most significant collections of American art and architecture in the world.

Induction program
A public, online video program celebrating the Class of 2022 National Academicians will be held on Tuesday, October 25 beginning at 6pm. More information will be available on our website.

Induction exhibition
A special exhibition featuring recent work of the 2022 National Academicians is anticipated for 2023. Details will be announced in the coming months on our website.

For additional inquiries, please contact communications [​at​] nationalacademy.org.

About the National Academy of Design
Founded in 1825, the National Academy of Design promotes art and architecture in America through exhibitions, education, and research. We advocate for the arts as a tool for education, celebrate the role of artists and architects in public life, and serve as a catalyst for cultural conversations that propel society forward. At the core of our mission are the National Academicians, a vibrant community of 450 artists and architects in the United States who have been elected by their peers in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to art and architecture.

For more information, visit our website.