11.01.2012

Funding opportunities for organisations: the Harpo Foundation (USA)

Harpo Foundation was established in 2006 to support artists who are under recognized by the field. This applies to all artists whether emerging or further along in their careers. We view the definitions of art and artist to be open-ended and expansive.

The Foundation's grant program awards 10-14 non-profit institutions annually with funds to support the production of new work by visual artists. 

In 2012 Harpo Foundation will use a new 2-step application process to review proposals submitted by non-profit institutions and fiscal sponsors who seek support on behalf of under recognized visual artists. Unlike in 2010 and 2011, the foundation will not use a thematic focus to prioritize funding in 2012. 

The foundation will consider proposals that directly support the production of new work by visual artists and/or collaborative teams who are under recognized by the field. This production may happen in the context of an installation, public intervention, residency, or exhibition.

In its grantmaking, Harpo Foundation prioritizes projects that advance and cross the boundaries of visual media and artistic disciplines. Proposals are evaluated on the basis of the quality of the artist's work, the potential to expand aesthetic inquiry, and the strength of its relationship to the foundation's priority to provide support to visual artists who are under recognized by the field.

The foundation awards between 10-15 grants annually and funding decisions are made by the Board of Directors. As a general guideline, requests should not exceed $10,000 per year. Allowable use-of-funds includes direct support to the artist for honoraria, commissioning fees, production costs, and travel.

Deadline for sending the letter of enquiry (the first step of the application process) is February 1st, 2012.

For more information about grants and applications visit the Harpo Foundation website.