Convening Grants

Convening grant support is available for programs that:

–Share research in American art and professional practice in the field
–Address historical, contemporary, and/or critical issues that deepen, counter, or expand the stories and voices within the field

We invite interdisciplinary applications; however, the project’s primary focus must be anchored in the visual arts. For projects in which the visual arts of the United States and the Indigenous arts of North America are not central, there should be a clear explanation of how the convening advances global dialogue and/or drives change in the field of American art.

For convenings connected to permanent collection reinstallations or temporary exhibitions, please see our Collection Grant program and Exhibition Grant program.

Grants may be used to offset planning and/or implementation costs for expenses such as:

–professional fees and honoraria
–artist fees (excluding commissions)
–travel
–AV support (including technicians, videography, and photography)
–ASL interpretation, translation, and speech-to-text services
–catering
–dissemination of research, in either digital or print formats
–marketing and outreach
–administrative costs (up to 20% of the grant)
–indirect costs (up to 15% of the grant)

Up to $5,000 of an awarded grant may be used to publish proceedings and/or other publications related to the project, whether online or in print; funds for this purpose need to be spent within one year of the event.

The Terra Foundation prefers not to be the sole funder of an event.

We encourage projects that:

–generate knowledge and interpretive frameworks that collectively reflect the full breadth and complexity of American art and its histories through the artists represented, voices included, and stories told
–engage artists, scholars, and communities who present a plurality of perspectives and methods, including intercultural and interdisciplinary approaches
–catalyze inclusive practices and expansive histories in the field of American art

All applicants must hold United States 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status or the international equivalent. Grants are not made to individuals.

This program is open to organizations worldwide. We welcome requests to support convenings at any stage of a project, whether in early planning or more developed phases. Convenings held in person, virtually, or in hybrid formats are eligible for support.

While the foundation welcomes requests from previous grantees, please note that we aim to support a broad range of organizations over time and do not accept applications from organizations that have received a Terra grant in the previous year (within the last two grant cycles). Grantees whose applications have previously been declined may reapply. Please reach out to our team well in advance of the open-call deadline (at least two weeks beforehand) to ask for assistance.

These programs are intended for scholarly, professional, and other targeted audiences. Currently we do not accept requests for:

–alumni gatherings
–annual conferences, annual general meetings, or summits
–capital expenditures
–commercial films and documentaries
–events focused on dramatic and musical arts, decorative arts and craft, or fashion
–fellowship programs
–festivals and award ceremonies
–general public programs (that relate to a preprogrammed exhibition or event)
–research databases
–residencies
–travel grants

Grant Inquiry Form
Use the Apply Now buttons to submit a grant inquiry form by the deadline indicated on this page. After reviewing your inquiry, the foundation may invite you to submit a grant proposal. Please ensure that the email address used to submit the grant inquiry is monitored regularly for notifications (including checking in spam and junk folders). Please contact us if you have not received an update within four weeks of the inquiry deadline.

Grant Proposal
If invited to submit a grant proposal, prospective applicants must complete the proposal to be considered for funding. Formal proposals and attachments must be written in English. Grant proposals are reviewed by an external panel of curators, researchers, and other arts professionals who represent a diverse range of backgrounds, perspectives, and approaches.