Francesca Du Brock Wins Prestigious $100,000 Vilcek Prize in Art History

In a significant recognition of her impactful work in the field, Francesca Du Brock, the chief curator at the Anchorage Museum in Alaska, has been awarded the Marica Vilcek Prize in Art History, a prestigious accolade from the Vilcek Foundation. This award, which carries a financial prize of $100,000, honors professionals in the realm of art history and museum curation who exemplify exceptional practices.

The Vilcek Foundation, founded by Jan and Marica Vilcek, has a mission to shine a light on immigrant contributions to the United States as well as to promote appreciation for both the arts and sciences. The Marica Vilcek Prize, named after the foundation’s co-founder, pays tribute to her extensive career in the arts, particularly her leadership at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and ongoing service at the Institute of Fine Arts at New York University.

Marica Vilcek herself stated, “Art historians and museum professionals bear a profound responsibility. They are tasked with providing context and building connections that make art accessible to all audiences... Francesca Du Brock's programmatic achievements with the Anchorage Museum demonstrate a genuine talent for this work.”

Du Brock received this honor primarily due to her holistic and innovative approach toward exhibition curation and public engagement with art. A distinguished alumnus of the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the San Francisco Art Institute, and Bowdoin College, she is a member of the International Committee for Museums and Collections of Modern Art (CIMAM) and has just been named a 2025 Fellow of the Center for Curatorial Leadership.

Among her notable achievements is her impactful exhibition titled “How to Survive,” which showcased the work of 16 women and nonbinary artists, combined with installations of Alaska Native cultural artifacts and a resource library. This exhibition not only interrogated survival through the lens of collective care but also explored themes of interconnectedness, listening, and a sense of stewardship.

Rick Kinsel, the President of the Vilcek Foundation, praised Du Brock’s contributions, remarking, “Francesca Du Brock is redefining the role of a curator for our time. Her philosophy is simple: a curator should care not only for objects but also for people and the community.” This perspective has allowed her to create meaningful platforms that amplify underrepresented voices and histories within the museum space.

Expressing her philosophy, Du Brock stated, “As a lifelong Alaskan, a strong relationship to people and place animates and inspires all that I do. I lead a team of Indigenous and non-Indigenous curators who also have lifelong connections to Alaska.” This collaborative approach is rooted in continuous learning and engagement, reflecting a determination to honor Alaska's rich tapestry of cultures, both human and nonhuman.

Julie Decker, the director and CEO of the Anchorage Museum, highlighted Du Brock's collaborative spirit and her commitment to empathy and creativity. She mentioned, “Francesca is a key team member... driven by the values of collaboration, empathy, and creativity.” The recognition from the Vilcek Foundation cements not just her vision but also acknowledges the wider mission of the Anchorage Museum in illuminating diverse narratives,

The Marica Vilcek Prize was first awarded in 2024, with the foundation celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025. The Vilcek Foundation plans to celebrate this landmark by awarding a record 14 prizes, totaling $950,000 in various fields of art and science this year.

With the focus on celebrating the contributions of immigrants and fostering appreciation for diverse talents, the Vilcek Foundation maintains an ambitious goal of raising awareness and support for those who enrich American culture. The work and dedication demonstrated by Francesca Du Brock exemplifies this very spirit. For more information about the foundation and its initiatives, visit vilcek.org.