Fine Arts Field Grant

The Fine Arts Field Grant by Society Awards is a privately funded initiative administered through The Explorers Club in partnership with Society Awards and benefactor David Moritz. The Explorers Club is a longstanding multidisciplinary organization dedicated to advancing field research, scientific exploration, and conservation. This grant program reflects the Club’s historical tradition of integrating artistic practice with scientific exploration, reviving a legacy in which artists accompanied expeditions to document and interpret discoveries through creative expression. The program is designed to bridge the worlds of art and exploration by embedding artists within active field research environments. The primary purpose of the grant is to support fine artists in developing original work inspired by direct participation in real-world expeditions. Selected recipients are paired with awardees of The Explorers Club Impact Grant, which supports scientists, researchers, and adventurers conducting fieldwork in remote or significant environments. Through this pairing, artists gain access to unique geographic and experiential contexts that inform their creative practice. The resulting artwork is expected to reflect both the scientific and exploratory dimensions of the expedition, contributing to broader public understanding and engagement. Funding supports participation in these expeditions and the subsequent creation of a body of artistic work. While specific allowable cost categories are not explicitly defined, the structure of the program implies support for travel, field participation, and artistic production. There is no stated requirement for cost sharing or matching funds. Following the expedition, grant recipients are required to produce and present their work through an exhibition hosted at The Explorers Club, providing visibility to both the artist and the scientific endeavor that inspired the work. Eligibility is open to fine artists across a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to painting, sculpture, printmaking, and photography. Applicants may be at any stage of their career and are not required to be members of The Explorers Club. The program seeks individuals whose artistic practice demonstrates a strong and distinctive body of work, as well as a meaningful connection to themes of exploration. Applicants must also demonstrate the personal qualities necessary for fieldwork, including adaptability, curiosity, and resilience in potentially challenging environments. The application process is conducted through an online submission system and is currently open on a rolling basis. Applicants are required to prepare and submit a portfolio of up to ten images or a single PDF catalog, a professional headshot, a resume or curriculum vitae, and two letters of support from individuals familiar with their artistic work. Additional supplementary materials may be provided through accessible online links. The application also includes written responses, and applicants are advised to prepare materials offline before submission due to the lack of autosave functionality. Evaluation criteria emphasize artistic merit, alignment with the spirit of exploration, and the applicant’s readiness for an expedition-based experience. Letters of support must address the applicant’s artistic practice, character, and suitability for the program. The review process occurs on a rolling basis, with no fixed deadline, and applicants are encouraged to ensure completeness and quality of submission materials. The time required to complete the application is estimated at approximately ninety minutes to two hours. For questions or assistance, applicants may contact the program administrators via the official email address grants@explorers.org. The grant operates on a continuous intake model, with applications accepted year-round. While specific award notification timelines and performance periods are not explicitly defined, the structure of the program suggests alignment with the scheduling of Impact Grant expeditions. The recurring nature of the program indicates an ongoing opportunity for artists to engage with exploration through funded field experiences.

Prepare materials offline to avoid data loss; ensure all links are accessible; secure letters of support in advance; submit a complete and thoughtful application