Founded in 1956, the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts fosters the development and exchange of diverse and challenging ideas about architecture and its role in the arts, culture, and society. Through project-based grants to individuals and organizations, and producing exhibitions, events, and publications, the Graham Foundation realizes its vision.
The grant program focuses on architecture and related spatial practices that engage cultural, social, political, technological, environmental, and aesthetic issues. It supports projects that investigate the contemporary condition, expand historical perspectives, or explore the future of architecture and the designed environment. This includes initiatives in architectural history, theory, criticism, design, engineering, landscape architecture, urban planning, urban studies, visual arts, and related fields. The foundation is interested in work that expands thinking about architecture and space, including those in the fine arts, humanities, and sciences. It supports a wide range of practitioners and organizations, emphasizing the public dissemination of ideas to foster critical dialogue between various publics. Grants are offered for individuals, focusing on providing opportunities for creation, development, and communication of projects that contribute to their growth, support new forms of expression, and help reach wider audiences. Special attention is given to first-time applicants. Projects should demonstrate originality, potential for impact, feasibility, and the applicant's capacity to carry out the project. Two types of grants are available: Production and Presentation Grants to help with expenses related to realizing and presenting a project, and Research and Development Grants to provide seed money for research-related expenses.