Applications open for Terra Foundation Exhibition Grants

Deadline: 02-Mar-2027

The Terra Foundation Exhibition Grants support organizations worldwide in planning and implementing temporary loan exhibitions that expand understanding of American art. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $200,000, with an average award of approximately $100,000, and prioritize exhibitions that present diverse perspectives, challenge traditional narratives, and generate new knowledge about American and Indigenous North American art. What Are Terra Foundation Exhibition Grants? The Terra Foundation Exhibition Grants program supports temporary exhibitions that encourage audiences to explore the breadth and complexity of American art. The program is designed to promote exhibitions that: Encourage inclusive practices in the field of American art. Connect audiences with multiple histories and perspectives. Grants support both the planning and implementation of eligible temporary loan exhibitions. How Much Funding Is Available? Terra Foundation Exhibition Grants generally range from:

Minimum typical grant: $25,000

Maximum grant: $200,000

Average grant: Approximately $100,000

Funding can cover a broad range of exhibition development and implementation expenses. What Projects Are Supported? Eligible projects must be temporary loan exhibitions that primarily feature artworks not held in the applicant institution’s permanent collection. The foundation is particularly interested in exhibitions that expand how American art is understood and interpreted. Projects may focus on different artists, periods, communities, artistic movements, or historical perspectives, provided they contribute to a broader understanding of American art. What Costs Can the Grant Cover? Terra Foundation funding can support eligible expenses associated with exhibition planning, research, implementation, interpretation, and dissemination. Related staff positions can account for up to 25% of the grant award. Indirect costs can account for up to 15% of the award. What Does the Foundation Prioritize? The foundation places particular emphasis on projects that expand the intellectual and cultural understanding of American art. Strong proposals are likely to demonstrate several of the following characteristics: New Knowledge Projects should contribute original research, scholarship, interpretation, or understanding to the field. Diverse Perspectives The program encourages exhibitions that represent the full breadth and complexity of American art and include perspectives that have historically been overlooked. American and Indigenous North American Art Projects can explore diverse histories and artistic traditions within American and Indigenous North American art. Inclusive Engagement The foundation encourages meaningful engagement with diverse artists, scholars, communities, and audiences. Innovative Interpretation Applicants should consider how the exhibition can develop new interpretive approaches and challenge established narratives. Multilingual Access Multilingual written materials are encouraged when they are relevant to the exhibition, its audiences, and its goals. Who Is Eligible? Eligible applicants must be organizations with: U.S. 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, or An international equivalent. The program is therefore open to eligible organizations worldwide, provided they meet the required tax-exempt or equivalent organizational status. Who Is Not Eligible? The program does not provide grants to: Individuals. Projects that create new artwork. Artwork acquisition projects. Capital expenditure projects. Permanent equipment purchases. Exclusively online exhibitions or projects. Exhibitions that have already opened and are touring to additional venues. Only project organizers may apply. Consecutive-Year Funding Restriction Institutions that have previously received an Exhibition Grant generally cannot receive another Exhibition Grant in two consecutive years. An exception applies when an institution is moving from the planning stage to implementation for the same exhibition project. Applicants should therefore consider their recent Terra Foundation funding history before applying. How to Apply

1. Develop the Exhibition Concept

Clearly define the temporary exhibition and explain how it will expand understanding of American art. Describe the artists, artworks, communities, historical contexts, and themes that will be explored.

2. Explain the Intellectual Contribution

Show what new knowledge or interpretation the exhibition will provide. Explain how the project challenges, expands, or reconsiders established narratives.

3. Identify the Artwork Loans

Demonstrate that the exhibition will primarily feature artworks not held in the applicant institution’s permanent collection.

4. Develop the Research and Interpretation Plan

Explain how curatorial research, scholarship, interpretation, and audience engagement will contribute to the project’s objectives.

5. Build the Project Budget

Identify eligible expenses such as:

Research. Travel. Loan fees. Shipping. Insurance. Conservation. Framing. Interpretation. Marketing. Temporary exhibition construction. Research dissemination. Remember that related staff positions are limited to 25% of the award, while indirect costs are limited to 15%.

6. Demonstrate Audience and Community Engagement

Explain how artists, scholars, communities, and audiences will participate in or benefit from the project. Where appropriate, consider multilingual interpretation and materials.

7. Submit Through the Foundation’s Process

The project organizer should submit the application with the required institutional, exhibition, budget, research, and implementation information. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Proposing an exclusively online project. Requesting funds to create or acquire artwork. Including permanent capital expenditures. Applying as an individual. Failing to demonstrate that the project is a temporary exhibition. Relying primarily on works from the institution’s pe