The Publication Award in Contemporary Architecture (PACA) champions excellent writing that promotes architecture’s expanded role as a critical field. Awards foster the development, publication, and promotion of exceptional books that productively advance our understanding of the built environment. Selected through a biennial open call for applications, each publication addresses a timely subject in contemporary architecture, revealing new insights about how the field influences our world and how it can address urgent considerations in this time of consequential change. Bold originality, intellectual rigor, and compelling prose characterize awarded books, ensuring that the work reaches the broadest possible audience while contributing to current discourse about architecture’s role in society. Awarded books are peer reviewed and published under the MIT Press imprint. PACA books are further amplified through coordinated promotion by the partner organizations: The MIT Press, Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts, and Storefront for Art and Architecture. In addition to a publication contract, each awarded book receives a $10,000 production subsidy and the author receives an unrestricted grant of $5,000. The PACA platform encourages ongoing collective inquiry by activating each book’s impact through public programs that extend conversations across disciplines and audiences.

APPLICATION
PACA uses YourCause–GrantsConnect by Blackbaud to administer its applications. A Blackbaud ID account is required to access and manage application forms. Using the link below, applicants can establish a Blackbaud ID, or use an existing Blackbaud ID, within the PACA portal. Detailed application guidelines are included in the application.

To start a new application or access an existing application on the PACA GrantsConnect portal, click here.

KEY DATES
June 15, 2026: Application available
November 30, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Central Time: Application deadline
December 2026–February 2027: Jury deliberation, review, and applicant notification of shortlist status
March 2027: Public announcement of award winner

PARTNERS
Established in 1962, the MIT Press embraces nuance, complexity, and intellectual freedom. We believe in the power of developing and sharing knowledge and bold ideas. In alignment with MIT’s mission to advance research in science, technology, design, art, architecture, and other areas of scholarship, the Press publishes work that enriches public discourse with the aim of serving the world in the twenty-first century.

Founded in 1956, the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts fosters the development and exchange of diverse and challenging ideas about architecture and its role in the arts, culture, and society. The Graham realizes this vision through making project-based grants to individuals and organizations and producing exhibitions, events, and publications.

Storefront for Art and Architecture, founded in 1982 by artists and architects, is an independent, nonprofit organization based in New York City. Storefront is committed to the advancement of innovative positions in architecture, art, and design and produces and presents work about diverse notions of place and public life on an international scale.