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Joan Mitchell Foundation Inc

Grant Range
$60K - $0.1M

Joan Mitchell Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $22+ million distributed to date
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Varies by program
  • Grant Range: $60,000 (Fellowship) plus residencies
  • Geographic Focus: United States (all states and territories)

Contact Details

New York Office

  • Address: 137 W. 25th Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10001
  • Phone: (212) 524-0100
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 10am–6pm ET

New Orleans Center

  • Address: 2275 Bayou Road, New Orleans, LA 70119
  • Phone: (504) 940-2500
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm CT

Email: info@joanmitchellfoundation.org Website: https://joanmitchellfoundation.org

Overview

The Joan Mitchell Foundation Inc, established by the acclaimed artist Joan Mitchell, serves a dual mission of preserving Mitchell's artistic legacy while providing crucial support to visual artists across the United States. With over $22 million in unrestricted funds distributed to date and more than 1,350 artists supported through grants, the Foundation has established itself as a significant force in American arts philanthropy. The Foundation operates with a commitment to equity and artist-centered approaches, trusting that artists know their own needs best. Their programs have expanded visual arts representation and removed barriers to artistic careers, with a particular emphasis on supporting diverse artists including artists of color, Indigenous artists, women, LGBTQIA+ artists, and artists with disabilities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Joan Mitchell Fellowship: $60,000 distributed over 5 years

  • 15 fellowships awarded annually to painters and sculptors
  • Nomination-only process (artists cannot apply directly)
  • Includes professional development workshops and peer engagement opportunities

New Orleans Residencies: Duration 1-5 months

  • For past Foundation grant recipients and New Orleans-based artists
  • Provides living and working spaces at the Joan Mitchell Center
  • Annual invitation to apply (2026 applications currently closed)

Creating a Living Legacy (CALL): Free resources

  • Career documentation support
  • Inventory management assistance
  • Estate planning guidance for visual artists

Priority Areas

  • Painting and sculpture
  • Artists making important cultural contributions
  • Artists deserving wider national recognition
  • Supporting diverse artistic voices and practices
  • Removing barriers to sustainable artistic careers

What They Don't Fund

  • Students enrolled in arts degree programs
  • Artist duos or collectives (for Fellowship)
  • Artists based outside the United States
  • Previous Painters & Sculptors Grant recipients (for Fellowship)
  • Art forms beyond painting and sculpture (for Fellowship)

Governance and Leadership

The Foundation's board consists of working artists alongside arts and non-arts professionals, ensuring diverse perspectives in grant-making decisions. The organization operates with a philosophy of being "Artist Centered," fundamentally trusting artists to understand their own needs and make the best use of unrestricted support.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Joan Mitchell Fellowship: This is a nomination-only program. Artists cannot apply directly but must be nominated by invited nominators who remain anonymous. The Foundation recommends artists focus on networking, maintaining open studios, and pursuing professional development opportunities to increase visibility.

New Orleans Residencies: Past Foundation grant recipients and eligible New Orleans-based artists receive annual invitations to apply. Applications for 2026 are currently closed.

General Inquiries: Use the online inquiry form on the Foundation website for questions about grants or programs.

Getting on Their Radar

Since the Fellowship operates through nominations, the Foundation specifically recommends:

  • Maintaining an active studio practice with regular open studios
  • Networking within the arts community
  • Pursuing professional development opportunities
  • Building relationships with arts professionals who may serve as nominators
  • Developing a strong body of work that demonstrates artistic vision

Decision Timeline

Specific timelines are not publicly available and vary by program.

Success Rates

The Foundation awards 15 Fellowships annually from an undisclosed number of nominations.

Reapplication Policy

Previous Painters & Sculptors Grant recipients are ineligible for the Fellowship. Other reapplication policies are not specified.

Application Success Factors

Based on the Foundation's selection criteria, successful candidates typically demonstrate:

  • Strong artistic vision in painting or sculpture
  • Potential for significant impact from the award on their practice
  • Interest in peer engagement and professional development
  • Important cultural contributions through their work
  • Alignment with the Foundation's commitment to expanding representation in visual arts

The Foundation prioritizes artists from diverse backgrounds and those who have historically faced barriers in the arts, including artists of color, Indigenous artists, women artists, LGBTQIA+ artists, and artists with disabilities.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The Joan Mitchell Fellowship requires nomination - artists cannot apply directly but should focus on visibility and networking
  • The Foundation provides substantial, unrestricted support ($60,000 over 5 years) allowing artists flexibility in use
  • Priority goes to painters and sculptors making important cultural contributions who deserve wider recognition
  • The Foundation values artist autonomy and provides unrestricted funds based on trust
  • Residency opportunities are limited to past grant recipients and New Orleans-based artists
  • The Foundation actively seeks to support diverse artists and remove barriers to artistic careers
  • Building relationships and maintaining professional visibility are crucial for potential nomination

References

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