Franklin Furnace FUND for Performance Art Grants

Franklin Furnace FUND for Performance Art Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Franklin Furnace Fund
Amount: Up to US $10,000
Last Updated: March 13, 2026

Summary

The Franklin Furnace Fund Grants support early career artists in producing significant performance art works in New York City. Established in 1985 with backing from the Jerome Foundation, these grants, ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, are awarded through a peer panel review process, promoting diverse artistic expressions. Artists globally are encouraged to apply, with an emphasis on presenting their work in NYC. The program has fostered the careers of numerous notable artists, showcasing its commitment to the arts.

Overview

Program Description The Franklin Furnace FUND for Performance Art is supported by Jerome Foundation, the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and biennially by the SHS Foundation in honor of Ruth Hardinger. FUND grants range between $2,000 and $10,000 based on the peer review panel allocation of funding received by Franklin Furnace. Artists from all areas of the world are encouraged to apply; however, artists selected by the panel are expected to present their work in New York City. Full-time students are ineligible.Franklin Furnace has no curator; each year a new panel of artists reviews all proposals. We believe this peer panel system allows all kinds of artists from all over the world an equal shot at presenting their work. Every year the panel changes, as do the definitions of “early career artist” and “performance art.” So if at first you don’t succeed, please try again.Since 1985, the FUND has helped launch the careers of Jo Andres, Tanya Barfield, Jibz Cameron aka Dynasty Handbag, Lenora Champagne, Patty Chang, Papo Colo, Brody Condon, Nicolás Dumit Estévez Raful Espejo Ovalles, Ayana Evans, Karen Finley, John Fleck, Coco Fusco, Kate Gilmore, Pablo Helguera, Donna Henes, Murray Hill, Holly Hughes, Liz Magic Laser, Shaun Leonardo, Taylor Mac, Robbie McCauley, Jennifer Miller, Naeem Mohaiemen, Rashaad Newsome, Clifford Owens, Pope.L, Dread Scott, Pamela Sneed, Fiona Templeton and Diane Torr, among other Franklin Furnace FUND for Performance Art recipients.

Eligibility

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