Mission

The Harpo Foundation was established in 2006 by artist Ed Levine to support emerging and under-recognized visual artists. Through grants and residency programs, the Foundation seeks to affirm the centrality of the artist in the world of art, encourage new modes of making and thinking about art, and expand inclusivity and equitable representation in the visual arts. 

The Foundation also preserves Ed Levine’s creative legacy to provide access to the art and ideas of an unconventional thinker who extended the experience of art-making in unexpected and adventuresome ways. 

Grant Programs

The Foundation currently makes grants directly to artists to support their development. Applications are evaluated on the basis of the quality of the artist’s work, the potential to expand aesthetic inquiry, and the ability to fulfill the Foundation’s priority to provide support to visual artists who are under-recognized by the field.

Additionally, The Impact Award focuses on amplifying the contributions of under-recognized Native American contemporary visual artists.

Equity Statement

The Harpo Foundation is committed to principles that address issues of diversity, equity and inclusion, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, religion, health and ability status, political affiliation, gender identity preference, sexual orientation, or any other consideration, and will stand in opposition to any action, or omission of action, that hinders any group or individual’s ability to fully participate in society.