Recognizing current and historical inequities in the presentations and understandings of American art history, the Terra Foundation encourages temporary exhibitions that address these imbalances and exclusions. To expand histories of American art, we seek projects that reflect inclusive and equitable research and curatorial practices; generate new scholarship and interpretive frameworks; employ critical methodologies and innovative models; and/or engage diverse partners and audiences. In addition, we lend support for exhibitions that build on existing initiatives at your organization engaged in transforming or complicating how the story of American art is told.

Grants will offset planning and/or implementation costs for:

Temporary exhibitions primarily comprising artworks that are not part of the institution’s permanent collection;*
Research and planning for temporary exhibitions (e.g., convenings, travel, research fellows or assistants, advisory groups).
To be considered, the project should focus on American art and/or Native American art, including historical art or contemporary art. Contemporary art should manifest a critical and reflective engagement with American or Native American histories, art, and/or art histories.

Grant proposals will be reviewed by an external panel of curators and museum professionals who reflect a diverse range of backgrounds, perspectives, and approaches.

The Terra Foundation encourages proposals from organizations (e.g., museums, art centers, and community-based cultural organizations) of varying sizes and annual budgets and from the full spectrum of geographic regions, both within and outside the United States. We anticipate that individual grants will range between $25,000 and $250,000.