Jonathan and Barbara Silver Foundation Grant for Sculpture

The Jonathan and Barbara Silver Foundation Grant for Sculpture is part of a biennial funding initiative established to support both sculptors and writers engaged with the medium of sculpture. Founded to honor the legacy of Jonathan Silver—a sculptor and writer known for his engagement with the philosophical and historical dimensions of the art form—the Foundation offers a platform for artists who demonstrate both technical commitment and conceptual depth. In odd-numbered years, the program focuses on sculpture, while even-numbered years support writing on sculpture. The current grant cycle, completed in 2025, offered a single $20,000 award for an artist to develop and execute a body of sculptural work. The 2025 Sculpture Grant was open to artists residing in the United States, including permanent residents and holders of O-1 visas. Applicants could not be enrolled in degree programs or affiliated with the Foundation as employees, consultants, or immediate family members of such personnel. The grant seeks sculptors with a robust, imaginative engagement with the materials, histories, and contexts of sculpture. Eligible projects must contribute meaningfully to the field and the applicant’s development, with an expected completion within one year of award receipt. The application process featured two competitive rounds. In Round 1, applicants submitted a short and extended project description, a CV, and 5–10 images of prior work. They also answered five essay questions addressing their influences, methodology, artistic priorities, intended audience impact, and how the project is essential to their growth. Round 2, open only to selected finalists, required submission of a detailed project timeline, itemized budget, proof of eligibility, and two letters of reference. Grant funds may be used for artist fees, research, travel, living costs, and project materials. However, they may not be used for loan repayment, health costs, marketing, or promotion of existing work. Applications that propose such uses are automatically rejected. The 2025 deadline was May 31, 2025, and all applicants were notified by August 18, with final awards announced in December 2025. Recipients are required to submit a progress report after six months and a final summary after project completion. The Foundation emphasizes the equal importance of sculpture and writing about sculpture, echoing Jonathan Silver's commitment to critical inquiry and exploration. The awarded project becomes part of the Foundation’s archival and public discourse efforts, including a livestreamed conversation with the Artistic Director. The next cycle is scheduled to open in February 2026.

Avoid proposing retrospective or promotional work; show conceptual depth and timely submission.