The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation, established by Robert Mapplethorpe in 1988, aims to protect his work, advance his creative vision, and promote the causes important to him. Its mandates are to elevate photography to the same level of recognition and respect as painting and sculpture and to support HIV/AIDS medical research. Initially, the foundation focused on HIV/AIDS research, creating significant medical facilities and programs. Continuing Mapplethorpe's legacy, it encourages museum exhibitions internationally, publishes books, and places Mapplethorpe's art in crucial collections.
The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation's grant program focuses on two primary areas: supporting photography and fighting HIV/AIDS. In the realm of photography, it aims to enhance the recognition of photography as an art form through funding museum programming, supporting exhibitions, acquisitions, and publications, and encouraging the dissemination of Mapplethorpe's work worldwide. For HIV/AIDS, the Foundation provides funding for scientific research aimed at the treatment or cure of AIDS and HIV-related infections, in addition to supporting prevention and care programs. With a particular focus on projects in the New York area, the Foundation involves qualified experts in its funding decisions to ensure impactful support for HIV/AIDS-related initiatives.