Deadline Passed: 2021 Dart Awards

In addition to the traditional Dart Awards for Excellence in Coverage of Trauma, this year we will be giving a special Dart Award for Outstanding Coverage of the Covid-19 Crisis in recognition of the exceptional challenges posed by the pandemic across the journalism community. The deadline for submissions -- January 27, 2021 at 5:00 pm EST -- has passed.

The deadline for submissions -- January 27, 2021 at 5:00 pm EST -- has passed.

The Dart Center is now accepting entries for the 27th annual Dart Awards for Excellence in Coverage of Trauma

The Dart Awards honor innovative, ethical and effective reporting on the impact of violence, crime, disaster and other traumatic events. Since 1994, they have recognized coverage that engages deeply with the toughest human experiences, and sets a new standard for grappling with the complexity of trauma and its impact on individuals, families and communities.

In addition to the traditional Dart Awards for Excellence in Coverage of Trauma, this year we will be giving a special Dart Award for Outstanding Coverage of the Covid-19 Crisis in recognition of the exceptional challenges posed by the pandemic across the journalism community. The judging panel will select one entry for this special award, honoring work that illuminates the psychosocial impact of the pandemic. No additional materials beyond those required by the overall competition are needed in order to be considered. Each award will carry a cash prize of $5,000.

Recognizing coverage produced for North American outlets, the Dart Awards are the only journalism prize to reward and inspire innovative, ethical and in-depth trauma reporting across media. They are a team prize, recognizing that trauma reporting of the highest order demands a special commitment from news organizations. Winners will be honored in a public ceremony in September 2021 at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in New York City.

Click here for full submission guidelines, and click here to submit your entry. And see all the past Dart Award-winning pieces here.

Please email [email protected] if you have questions about eligibility, submission requirements or anything else related to the Dart Awards contest.