How to Apply

The application is open on a rolling and ongoing basis, and there are no deadlines. The selection process can take between nine months to a year.

The Foundation does not have an emergency grant program.

Yes. The Foundation is proud to provide grants to individual artists and organizations internationally, with PKF grantees in more than 80 countries to date. Artists throughout the world are encouraged to apply.

Please be aware that the US Department of Treasury maintains a sanctioned country list. If you are a citizen or resident of any country on the sanctioned list, it is important that you contact us before filling out the application form. This sanction list is available on the US Department of Treasury’s website.

The Foundation has no restrictions regarding style, school, technique, or subject matter. The artist’s work must fall within the categories of painting, sculpture, and works on paper.

We do not disclose the dates of our meetings, but there is no deadline for submitting an application.

The Foundation does not accept videos of work. Please only send the materials that are requested in the application.

For any questions concerning the application please contact us at [email protected].

For alternative resources, New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) aggregates grant opportunities and other critical support, professional development tools, and resources for artists and the artistic community. Artists can also explore opportunities and resources through Creative Capital, a nonprofit organization that supports artists through grants, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. Through their online Artist Lab courses and curriculum, Creative Capital aims to help artists build sustainable careers, create equity in the arts, and foster community.

No, our grants are based on artistic merit.

The Foundation does not make grants to students or fund academic study. Please note that PhD candidates are not considered students under our funding guidelines.

The Foundation currently does not make grants to video artists. The Foundation does, however, support artists who include a small video component within their painting, sculpture, installation, or printmaking. But video cannot be the primary focus of the work.

The Foundation does not fund generative art. This includes AI generated works.

The Foundation does not fund commercial art, including illustration.

Photography grants are by nomination only. An artist cannot apply for this award, unlike our regular grant program which is by open application. However, the Foundation will continue to support artists in our regular grant program who include a small component of photography within their painting, sculpture, installation, or printmaking. But photography cannot be the primary focus of the work.

Both awards are by nomination only. Lee Krasner Awards are awarded to established artists in recognition of a lifetime of artistic achievement. The Pollock Prize for Creativity honors an outstanding artist whose work embodies high creative standards and exemplifies the impact of art on individuals and society. An artist cannot apply for either of these awards, unlike our regular grant program which is by open application.

We will accept applications from artists whose work falls primarily within our guidelines. Work incorporating materials and mediums that fall out of guidelines can constitute a small component of a work but not the primary focus. For example, sculptural installations with a video projection that is a small component of the work would be within our guidelines.

The Foundation will accept applications from two-person collaborations. We cannot accept applications from collaborations of more than two people. Please email the Foundation at [email protected] prior to applying for special instructions.

We define craft as something that produces an object that has a function. This includes items such as jewelry, wearable clothing, pottery, and furniture.

All information provided to the Pollock-Krasner Foundation will be held in strict confidence. We use the information from your grant application solely to evaluate your request.

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Your information will automatically be saved as you work on your application.

Go to the Apply Online link directly on our website. Clicking that link will take you to the login page. Once you login to your account, you will see your in-progress application.

You may only submit ten images. You can use two of those ten to show details.

When you click “Submit” you will receive an e-mail confirmation that we have received your application.

The online grant application system has been designed to minimize loss of information. The system automatically saves the information you have entered. You can easily resume your application by going to the Apply Online link on our website and logging into your account.

The Foundation cannot provide technical assistance with your computer, web browser, or files. We can, however, help with any technical questions relating to our online application.

The eligibility quiz is not considered an application submission.

The following items are required with your application. Read these instructions carefully before uploading your materials. Attachments that do not follow these requirements will not be considered.

File Format Requirements

• Attachments #1–#4 must be submitted as:
  • Microsoft Word documents (.doc or .docx) or
  • OpenDocument Text (.odt) files
• Digital images must be submitted as JPEG (.jpg or .jpeg) files
• Other file types will not upload or be accepted
• Use a legible font and font size for all documents
• Use the name you use professionally (if different from your legal name) on:
  • All documents
  • All file names
• Confirm that all file extensions are correct before submitting

All written materials must be in English.

1. Cover Letter

Submit a cover letter that includes:

• The specific purpose for which you are requesting funds (professional, personal, and/or medical)
• The amount of funding requested
• How the funds will be used to support your artistic career

Additional requirements:

• Cannot exceed one page
• Submit a final draft only
• Your name must appear on the document

File name format: LastNameCoverLetter.docx

2. Resume / Curriculum Vitae

Submit a current resume or CV that includes:

• Exhibition history
• Grants, awards, and residencies
• Other professional activities
• Dates and locations for all entries

Formatting requirements:

• List exhibitions in chronological order, most recent first
• Separate solo exhibitions and group exhibitions into distinct sections
• Your name must appear on the document

File name format: LastNameResume.docx

3. Artist Statement

Submit a one-page artist statement describing the 10 images included in your application.

Additional requirements:

• Your name must appear on the document

File name format: LastNameArtistStatement.docx

4. Image Identification List

Submit a list that corresponds exactly and in order to the images you are submitting.

For each image, include:

• Your name
• Image number (must match the image file name)
• Year completed
• Title
• Dimensions
• Medium

Format as follows:

John Smith, Image #1, 2026, Abstraction, 20 × 30 inches, oil on canvas

Additional requirements:

• The first entry must describe Image 1, the second Image 2, etc.
• Information must match the images submitted exactly

File name format: LastNameImageList.docx

5. Digital Images (Images 1–10)

Eligibility

• Only artwork completed within the past 10 years will be accepted
• Do not submit:
  • Unfinished work
  • Maquettes or proposals
  • Work containing live animals
  • Work by other artists
• Collaborative work may only be submitted if applying as a collaboration
• Reapplicants must submit new work not previously submitted

Image Requirements

• Submit 10 JPEG images total
• Maximum of 2 images may show:
  • Details
  • Alternate views
  • Installation or exhibition views
• The remaining 8 images must each represent a separate, individual work
• Do not submit multiple views within a single image

Technical Specifications (Required)

• File format: JPEG (.jpg)
• Longest dimension: Exactly 2100 pixels
• Resolution: 72 or 96 DPI
• Use highest quality / lowest compression

File Naming Format

Each image must be named exactly as follows: LastName_FirstName_ImageNumber.jpg

Example: Smith_John_1.jpg

Additional image rules:

• Do not place identifying text on the image itself
• Images will be projected on a large screen and viewed in numbered order, two at a time

Applicants must have a minimum of 10 exhibitions within the past 10 years at professional galleries, museums, or recognized exhibition spaces.

In this section, you will provide a general description of the medium and size of the work referenced in your application. Do not list the medium for each individual work attached to your application, this will be done through the “Image Identification List.” You will also state the size of the smallest work you are submitting and then the size of the largest work you are submitting.

Should we require letters of recommendation, we will contact your references directly.

We do not require a detailed budget during the initial application phase. Should we require more information, we will request it.

PKF awards artist grants of up to $50,000. The amount you request will depend on your individual circumstances and your proposal.

There is no deadline to submit the application, but after 120 days of inactivity the system will automatically delete the application.

Once your application has been submitted, you will receive an e-mail confirming receipt. If we have questions regarding your submission we will contact you. Our application review process can take from nine months to a year to complete. We will contact you when a decision has been made on your application.

Once submitted, revisions and updates to the application form and attachments are not accepted.

Applicants may only submit one application in a 24 month period. If an application is withdrawn or deleted, you will not be eligible to submit another application for 24 months from the original submission date.