Organizer Information
The Jonathan and Barbara Silver Foundation (JBSF) is dedicated to encouraging and supporting both sculptors and writers on sculpture. The Foundation fosters an inclusive environment, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds without discrimination, and aims to advance the professional development of emerging and established practitioners.
Title & Description
2026 Grant for Writing on Sculpture.
This grant supports a writing project to be completed in 2027. Supported genres include art criticism, art history, memoir, psychoanalytical study, philosophical meditation, and literary study—provided the focus remains on sculpture. The program operates in two rounds, evaluating proposals based on vitality, contribution to the field, and the applicant's ability to execute the project within one year.
Categories
Writing, Art Criticism, Art History, and Research.
Eligibility
- Status: Must be an individual.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or hold an O-1 Visa.
- Publication: At least one writing sample must have been published within the last five years (since Jan 1, 2021).
- Restrictions: Not open to current students in degree-granting programs. Employees or family members of JBSF are ineligible.
- Previous Awardees: Cannot have received a JBSF grant in the last 5 years.
Program Benefits and Awards
- Financial Support: While exact award amounts vary, the Foundation typically supports substantial projects (past cycles for related grants have seen awards up to $20,000; verify final amount in award docs).
- Eligible Expenses: Funds cover materials, supplies, research, writer's compensation fee, travel (airfare, lodging, meals), and living expenses including childcare.
- Professional Platform: Projects are featured on the JBSF website, and recipients participate in a livestreamed conversation with the Artistic Director.
Fees
- Application Fee: None.
Application Requirements
- Round 1: Short project description (50 words), long description (300 words), CV, optional bio, and links.
- Work Samples: Up to 3 published writings (max 2,500 words each). Manuscripts in progress are acceptable.
- Mandatory Questions: Answers to four specific questions (250 words each) regarding the project's relationship to existing literature and the applicant's practice.
- Ineligible Content: News reporting, social media posts, or essays on one's own artwork.
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted via the official online application form. All responses must be in English.
Key Dates
- Deadline for Round 1: May 31, 2026 (11:59 PM EST).
- Round 2 Notification: July 1, 2026.
- Final Award Notification: December 2026.
- Project Completion: Work must be completed within one year of the award (2027).
Location
United States (National Eligibility).
Additional Details
Applicants selected for Round 2 must provide a 1-page PDF timeline, an itemized budget, and two letters of reference. The Foundation reserves the right to reproduce or publish supported projects for research purposes indefinitely.