The Liu Shiming Art Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that seeks to preserve and promote the artistic legacy of acclaimed Chinese artist Liu Shiming; advance global discourse on the arts, history and culture; and support the development of future generations of artists.
Each artist will receive a $5,000 grant to support their work on projects exploring the intersection between traditional cultural or historical influences and contemporary artistic practice. “Providing grants to artists at the early stages of their career can be invaluable to their development, allowing them the ability to move forward with projects that may otherwise have been out of reach,” notes Curatorial Director Fran Kaufman. “Knowing that their work has been recognized by arts professionals outside of their normal circle of support boosts confidence, and can be a catalyst for further creative exploration. We are excited to watch these artists as they continue to make new work.”
Their art ranges from examinations of “built architecture as spaces that embed power dynamics” (Singh), to creations from textile embroidered with human hair (Santamarina), to explorations of cultural displacement through ceramic sculpture (Huang), sculptures “combining traditional and experimental techniques such as onion epidermis textiles and crystallized paper sculpture” (Osnaya), and transformations of the ephemeral into “a fragile tapestry that whispers of the stories embedded in the detritus of the everyday” (Zinchuk).
With nearly 1,000 applicants representing over 90 nationalities, this year’s selection process proved especially challenging. Two internal rounds of review winnowed the pool down to a group of 30, which our Selection Panel then rated. Headed up by Curatorial Director Fran Kaufman, Selection Panel members included painter and professor Peter Wayne Lewis; Sotheby’s specialist Cindy Qi; artist, curator, and writer Yohanna M Roa; and Dr. Lindsey Schneider, Executive Director of International Foundation for Art Research.
Artists from any country may apply, but the application and supporting materials must be submitted in English. To be eligible for consideration, applicants must have either received a degree in studio arts between 2015 and 2023, or had their debut show at a gallery or juried art exhibition between 2015 and 2023.
How to Apply
Online Apply
Program Benefits & Awards
Successful applicants will be notified via email by December 2, 2025. Grants will be disbursed in two payments, with $3,000 by January 15, 2026 and the remaining $2,000 upon completion of the proposed project.
Entry Fee
Free
Location
New York, USA
Applications must be completed and submitted by August 31, 2025.
Website link: https://www.lsmartfund.org/grants-2025
