HISTORY

In 1918, L.C. Tiffany established a foundation to operate Laurelton Hall—his estate at Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island—as a summer retreat for young artists and craftspeople. L.C. Tiffany, son of Charles Lewis Tiffany, the founder of the New York jewelry store Tiffany & Co., was himself a painter, interior decorator, and, of course, renowned innovator in the design of glass objects and windows. As time went on, the Foundation expanded its scope to include exhibitions and a modest publication program.

The organization is the earliest artist-endowed foundation in the United States, and is the first created by an artist during his or her lifetime.

In 1946 the Foundation changed its program from the operation of an artists’ retreat to the bestowing of grants to artists. These grants were awarded annually through a competition in painting, sculpture, graphics, and textile design; a range of categories reflecting Tiffany’s manifold talents and interests. Each year applicants sent examples of their work to the National Academy of Design, where it was exhibited and judged.

The Foundation also supported a plan by which artworks were purchased and donated to institutions, an apprenticeship program enabling young craftspeople to work with masters, and a program of direct grants to young painters and sculptors.

 CURRENT GRANT PROGRAM

In 1980, the grant programs were consolidated into a biennial competition. Today, the competition grants $20,000 awards to artists selected for their talent and individual artistic strength. Since 1980, the competition has granted $9,534,000 in awards to 491 artists nationwide. Artists who work in painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, video, and craft media are eligible for the award, thus continuing the approach of direct grants to artists originally adopted in 1946. Approximately 50 designated nominators from throughout the United States recommend candidates to be considered. Nominees are then reviewed and vetted by a jury of seven individuals. Nominators and jury members are artists, critics, museum professionals, and members of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. 

It is the intention of the Foundation to support dedicated artists whose work shows promise of further development. The purpose of the monetary grant is to give artists the opportunity to produce new work; to push the boundaries of their creativity. By doing so, it seeks to make a difference in the lives of the recipients at a moment in their career when they need it most. The awards, accompanied with the prestigious recognition, enhance the visibility and stature of artists in the art world.