About the Open Call

The Virginia A. Groot Foundation Grant was established so that ceramic sculpture artists or sculptors of diverse mediums may have the opportunity to devote a substantial period of time to the development of his or her own work. For more than 30 years, our foundation has supported artists in launching their body of work, furthering their artistic careers, expanding their talent or skill set, and create a community of like-minded individuals that offer each other inspiration and motivation to realize their ultimate potential. Each year the Virginia A. Groot Foundation offers three grants to artists who have exceptional talent and demonstrated ability in ceramic sculpture or sculpture of diverse mediums. The foundation aims to financially support artist expenses to live, travel, and create. Grant winners' work is honored based on genuine passion, unrelenting energy to the craft, dynamism of disciplinary delivery, and transcendence of form.

What is Offered

Three grants are offered annually: First Place $60,000, Second Place $30,000, and Third Place $20,000. The grant aims to financially support artist expenses to live, travel, and create, providing freedom from expenses to focus on sculptural storytelling.

Requirements

Artists must demonstrate exceptional talent and ability in ceramic sculpture or sculpture of diverse mediums. The grant is not for the support of continued studies or tuition. Student work is not accepted. Collaborative applications are accepted. Applicants should submit 20 images; individual images are preferred over composite images. Video submission is optional and limited to 3 minutes. A strong body of work from the past 5 years is important, though a few earlier works may be included if relevant to the present direction.

How to Apply

Grant applications are now being accepted. Applications annually open June 1 and close at 11:59 PM CT, January 10. To apply, access the SlideRoom application. For issues, contact SlideRoom support. To unsubmit an application for changes, email Nina@VirginiaAGrootFoundation.org. The application link is https://virginiaagrootfoundation.slideroom.com/#/login/program/84181.