the awards and and prizes total about $750,000 a year, but most of them range in size from $5,000 to $12,000, a welcome sum to many young practitioners whose work may not bring in that much money in a year. one of the advantages of the awards is that many go to the struggling artists, rather than than to those who are already successful. members of the academy and institute are not eligible for any cash prizes. another advantage is that, unlike the national endowment for the arts or similar institutions throughout the world, there is no government money involved.