Announcing the 2026 Benenson Award Winners

Each year, Duke University awards Benenson Awards in the Arts, which provide funding for arts-centered projects proposed by undergraduates, including graduating seniors. This year, the Student Arts Award Committee awarded prizes to fourteen students for creative projects spanning stage combat, dance, interdisciplinary performance, filmmaking, costume design, music, and creative writing.

The number and quality of proposals for Benenson Awards in the Arts continues to be robust. Students are making excellent use of arts faculty mentors to identify national and international training opportunities that expand the tools and techniques they are building in arts courses at Duke. We also had a notable increase in rising Seniors proposing summer creative research work towards distinction projects to be completed during their final year at Duke.

Jules Odendahl-James, outgoing Student Arts Awards Committee Chair & Duke Arts Director of Engagement

2026 Benenson Award Winners

Class of 2026

Major: Program II, B.S. (Neuroscience, Dance, Nutrition)

Class of 2027

Majors: Environmental Science and Policy; Dance
Minor: Biology

Class of 2028

Majors: Economics, Political Science
Minor: Dance

Class of 2025

Major: International Comparative Studies
Minors: Visual Media Studies, Asian American and Diaspora Studies

Class of 2027

Major: Economics
Minors: Political Science, Visual Media Studies
Certificate: Documentary Studies

Class of 2027

Major: Interdepartmental Major in Visual & Media Studies and Neuroscience
Minor: Chemistry

Class of 2027

Majors: Psychology, Theater Studies

Class of 2029

Majors: Public Policy, Theater Studies
Minor: Earth and Climate Science

Class of 2027

Major: Philosophy
Minor: Music

Class of 2026

Major: Program II (Economics, Ecology & Sustainable Development)
Certificate: Documentary Studies

Class of 2027

Major: English
Minor: Creative Writing

Class of 2027

Majors: Biology, Physics

Class of 2029

Majors: Math, Computer Science

Class of 2028

Major: Theater Studies
Minor: Religious Studies
Certificate: Documentary Studies


About the Benenson Awards in the Arts

Benenson Awards in the Arts funding is available for arts-centered projects proposed by Duke University undergraduate students, including graduating seniors. Awards are either $2,500 or $4,500 and can be used to cover fees, travel, and other educational expenses related to your project.

Previous Awardee Announcements & Projects