Created in 1998 by an artist with a longstanding passion for the arts, the Tanne Foundation has an enduring commitment to filling cultural voids, enriching the artistic experience, and broadening horizons for artists and their audiences. The Foundation wants to reach those artists and organizations that persevere in creating and presenting art of any type, in any media, and to encourage those endeavors through unrestricted financial support. In particular, the Foundation seeks to expand access to resources for artists who live and make art in the US and who historically have been excluded from institutional systems of patronage because of their race; ethnicity; membership in the queer community expressions of sex, gender, and sexuality; socioeconomic position; and/or citizenship status. Tanne Awards are meant as an expression of gratitude to the artist for their passion and commitment to their work.
Recipients of Tanne Awards are chosen by an internal selection procedure. As the Foundation does not make grants, there is no application process. We hope to inspire other foundations to support artists and their organizations. The Foundation maintains a website to stimulate interest in the work of Tanne Award recipients.
Types of Awards
The Foundation focuses on artistic endeavors, both traditional and new, that may lie outside the mainstream of the art world. The Tanne Foundation awards are primarily given to individual artists but artist-run art organizations are also considered.
Awards to Individuals
Tanne Awards recognize prior outstanding achievement by individual artists who have demonstrated exceptional talent and creativity but have limited financial resources or have difficulty obtaining funding. The awards are intended to enrich the recipient’s artistic life and are unconditional.
Awards to Organizations
The Foundation provides awards to non-profit, tax-exempt artist-run organizations that directly serve artists and seek to expand the artistic experience for artists and audiences alike. The awards are made for the overall artistic contributions of the organizations and are not intended to support specific projects Preference is shown for organizations that receive little or no funding from other sources.
Selection Process
The Tanne Foundation’s Board of Trustees is structured so that a majority of its members are artists. Board members identify potential award recipients whose perseverance and dedication to their practice inspire their nominations. The nominees are proposed with a written rationale for support at the Foundation’s annual meeting. Awards are made internally therefore the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.
Administration
The Tanne Foundation’s administrative office is maintained at GMA Foundations. Written inquiries preferred. See contact page for address information.
How do I apply for a grant?
The Tanne Foundation does not make “grants” but administers an “awards” program. Nominations are made by the trustees. There is no application.
How do the trustees determine who gets an award?
The trustees familiarize themselves with artists working in a range of artistic disciplines and submit nominations at an annual meeting.
How many awards are given each year?
The number of awards is determined by the size of the foundation’s assets.
Does the award come with a monetary prize?
Yes. Again, the awards vary in size and are dependent upon the size of the foundation’s assets.
How can I make myself known to the trustees?
The Tanne Foundation is a small organization. The Tanne Foundation is committed to providing support to artists whose work the Trustees experience directly in their communities and the communities that they visit. The Tanne Foundation encourages artists to continue pursuing their art and seek funding through available resources, such as regional and state arts associations.
Can I send the trustees information about my work?
Since the Tanne Foundation does not request nor review applications, please do not submit any material.