American Art Program- Exhibition Competition Grants

American Art Program- Exhibition Competition Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Henry Luce Foundation
Last Updated: March 28, 2026

Summary

The American Art Program by the Henry Luce Foundation supports scholarly loan exhibitions that enhance the understanding of U.S. art, including Native American art. With a focus on cultural significance, intellectual originality, and organizational capacity, the program invites institutions to submit proposals that empower diverse voices and encourage critical dialogue. Eligibility criteria include submission by the originating institution and a significant representation of U.S. art. The program aims to foster public knowledge and understanding through innovative exhibitions.

Overview

NOTE: Approximately 30 institutions will be invited to submit full proposals. About the Henry Luce Foundation For more than 80 years, the Henry Luce Foundation has invested in knowledge makers and ensured that their work informs public discussion. This commitment to public knowledge derives from our founder: Henry R. Luce created Time magazine to disseminate the most important news, ideas, analysis, and criticism to a mass audience. Today, the Luce Foundation carries on this work by supporting projects at universities, policy institutes, media organizations, and museums, among many others. What these organizations have in common is a commitment to putting knowledge in the hands of the individuals and communities that need access to it. Hundreds of organizations have received more than 5800 grants totaling more than $1 billion since the Foundation’s establishment in 1936. Over that long history, the Foundation played critical roles in strengthening the field of Asian studies, encouraging interfaith dialogue, raising the visibility of American art in museums and in universities, and increasing participation by women in STEM research and teaching. We look forward to continuing our support of long-time areas of focus and to identifying new opportunities to strengthen public knowledge and understanding. Exhibition Grants What We’re Looking For In our review process, we give the highest consideration to the cultural significance of the art, the intellectual rigor and originality of the exhibition’s conceptual framework, and the organizational capacity for the successful execution of the project. We secondarily consider geographic and institutional diversity. While accompanying publications and additional tour venues are not required, they can enhance a project’s strength.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Concept Notes must be submitted online by the originating institution and not by a participating-venue institution. (Letters are not accepted from individuals.)Art of the United States, including Native American art, should constitute significantly more than half of the checklist.The organizing institution’s permanent collection should not constitute more than half of the exhibition checklist.A single, privately held collection should constitute no more than half of the exhibition checklist.The holdings of a single commercial dealer should constitute no more than half of the exhibition checklist.The proposed exhibition should not open before March of the year following your application submission.Museums outside of the United States may submit appropriate projects for consideration only if they have proof of valid non-profit status provided by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.Only one exhibition per year can be submitted per institution.Grants are only made to institutions and cannot be awarded directly to individuals, with the exception of the Luce Scholars Program. However, individuals may seek funding from Luce-supported programs administered by other organizations.Typically, grants are made to U.S. not-for-profit organizations or their international equivalents.An organization that already has an active Luce Foundation grant should contact the appropriate Program Director before applying for a second grant in the same area. An organization with an active grant from one of our programs is welcome to apply for a grant from a different program category.

Ineligibility

Please note that proposals related to performance art, film (including documentaries), the creation of art, the purchase of art, and the work of emerging artists are not eligible for funding through the American Art program.The Foundation does not support healthcare, medical initiatives, disaster relief, or international development projects.The Foundation does not provide support to political parties, political campaigns, lobbyists or any political activities.The Foundation does not contribute to annual funds, fundraising events, endowments, or building campaigns.