Jonathan and Barbara Silver Foundation Grant for Sculpture

The Jonathan and Barbara Silver Foundation Grant for Writing on Sculpture is a private arts funding initiative dedicated to supporting writers who explore sculpture as a subject through diverse critical and literary lenses. This annual grant is part of the Foundation’s broader mission to foster meaningful engagement with the field of sculpture by encouraging both emerging and established voices. While rooted in the legacy of Jonathan Silver, a sculptor known for his philosophical engagement with art, the grant does not require applicants to reference his work specifically. The Foundation maintains a firm commitment to inclusion and equity, welcoming applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, education, or disability. The 2026 grant application is intended for individual writers who are either U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or holders of an O-1 visa. Applicants must have at least one published writing sample from January 1, 2021, onward and must not be enrolled in any degree-granting program. The writing grant strictly excludes projects that involve commentary on the applicant’s own artistic work. Additionally, applicants must not be affiliated with the Foundation as employees, consultants, or board members, nor be immediate family members of those individuals. The application process consists of two distinct rounds. In Round 1, applicants submit a project proposal with both short and long descriptions, a CV, optional bio, and up to three relevant writing samples—each not to exceed 2,500 words. They must also respond to four written prompts regarding the project's relevance to existing literature, its significance to the applicant’s practice, the ideas in sculpture it seeks to explore, and any central artists involved. These responses help the jury assess how well the proposal aligns with the Foundation’s mission and its potential contribution to the field. Applicants selected for Round 2 must submit a detailed timeline, itemized budget, proof of eligibility, and two letters of recommendation. The project budget should be a concise paragraph explaining planned expenses, which may include materials, supplies, research, travel, writer compensation, and living costs like childcare. However, funds may not be used to pay debts, cover tuition, promote or market work, or pay for health-related expenses (unless medically urgent). The jury, comprised of three individuals selected by the Foundation, will evaluate applicants in closed sessions based on the vitality of the proposal, potential for artistic development, feasibility, and mission responsiveness. Applications must be submitted electronically by May 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. It is strongly advised to submit several days in advance to avoid technical difficulties. All applicants will be notified of their status by July 1, 2026. Final award decisions will be announced in December 2026. Awardees are expected to complete their projects within one year and submit two reports: a six-month progress report and a final report upon completion. The final report may consist of the completed written work and a summary of the grantee’s experience. Additionally, recipients will participate in a livestreamed conversation with the Foundation’s Artistic Director. No feedback is offered on submissions due to the volume of applicants. While publication or exhibition of the completed project is encouraged, it is not required. The Foundation reserves the right to make the funded work available for future research or publication purposes. Inquiries related to the application can be directed to info@jonathanandbarbarasilverfoundation.org.

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