These grants provide support for publication projects on historical American art (pre-1980) that make a significant contribution to scholarship and have an international dimension. Projects may include translations of texts on American art; publications written by non-U.S. scholars or those with a significant number of non-U.S. contributors; and publications with a focused thesis exploring American art in an international context. Projects must be under contract for publication. Books may receive up to $30,000; articles may receive up to $3,000. For more information, please visit our website.

Presentation

Through our publication grants, the Terra Foundation for American Art provides support for publication projects on historical American art (circa 1500 to 1980) that make a significant contribution to scholarship and have an international dimension. “International dimensions” vary by project, but include translations of important texts on American art; publications that are written by non-U.S. scholars or that have a significant number of non-U.S. contributors; and publications with a focused thesis exploring American art in an international context. The grants are designed to advance and internationalize scholarship on American art and provide individuals outside the United States with greater access to resources in the field. Applications will be judged competitively on an annual basis. 

Awarded grants and distribution of funds

• Books may receive a grant up to $30,000 (though generally grants do not exceed $15,000). Articles may receive a grant up to $3,000.

• TFAA preference is to contribute toward the image rights and translation costs for a publication, though other production costs may be requested.

• TFAA funding will not cover the entire budget for a publication.

• Awarded grants will be announced annually each spring; monies will be disbursed when the project is in a closing stage of production (final galley proofs or the equivalent).

Eligibility

Grant funding is available for scholarly books and articles in print or digital formats that focus on historical American art (circa 1500 to 1980) and have an international dimension. These include:

• Projects involving a United States 501(c)(3) publisher or the international equivalent. The Terra Foundation only accepts proposals from the publisher.
• Non-U.S. based projects without a United States 501(c)(3) publisher or the international equivalent. The author or editor of the volume may apply.

Projects involving a commercial publisher based in the United States are ineligible.

Projects must be under contract for publication.

The Terra Foundation strongly encourages proposals for:

• Books/articles examining American art in an international context,
• Books/articles for publication outside the United States,
• Internationally collaborative projects,
• English-language translations of books/articles originally written or published in  another language, or
• Translations of books/articles originally written or published in English.

The Terra Foundation does not accept proposals for new exhibition catalogues (as these are supported through our exhibition grants) or collection catalogues. Translations or reprints of exhibition catalogues originally published prior to 2005 will be considered if they contain substantial scholarship.

How to Apply

The grant application process is three-part: 

1. Before submitting a formal proposal to the Terra Foundation, prospective applicants are highly encouraged to contact TFAA (publications@terraamericanart.eu) in advance of the deadline to confirm eligibility and discuss the project.
2. Prospective applicants submit a formal proposal to the Terra Foundation.
3. Formal grant proposals undergo a review process before final decisions are made by the foundation’s Board of Directors.

Formal Proposals

Prospective applicants submit a formal proposal to the Terra Foundation. Please note that formal proposals must be written or translated in English and should not be stapled or bound. All attachments should also be written or translated in English.

Below are downloadable PDFs of the application form for publication projects.

• Publication grants for projects involving a United States 501(c)(3) or the international equivalent
• Publication grants for non-U.S. based projects without a United States 501(c)(3) publisher or the international equivalent.

Proposal Review Process

During the time that a grant proposal is under review, applicants must notify the foundation of any significant changes in staff or board leadership, financial circumstances, or the capacity of the institution/individual to accomplish the proposed activities.

Following submission, proposals go through the review process outlined below:

Staff Contact

• Foundation staff will contact the applicant to confirm that the required material has been submitted, clarify any questions regarding the proposal, request any additional information, and discuss any special needs or circumstances that may exist.

Staff and Peer Review

• The foundation’s program staff reviews all proposals. Proposals may also be presented to colleagues for peer review and recommendation. Publications submitted for consideration are also assessed by an international committee of American art scholars.

Executive Approval

• Proposals are presented to the Board of Directors, which makes final decisions on grants.

Notification

• Foundation staff will notify the organization of a decision by telephone or by mail in May. Please keep this in mind while writing your project timeline.

Please note:

• If a grant is awarded, the recipient will be expected to provide regular reports to the foundation on the project’s progress and the expenditure of grant monies.  

Deadline

All required materials should be submitted to the Terra Foundation by the following deadline:

January 15, 2014.

Awards will be announced in May 2014.