Pollock-Krasner Foundation

Pollock-Krasner Foundation. Established in 1985 through the will of the renowned Abstract Expressionist painter Lee Krasner, it is a private grant-making organization dedicated to providing financial assistance to individual visual artists of merit and need. The foundation was created by Krasner to honor the legacy of her husband, the influential artist Jackson Pollock, and to support working artists globally. It is recognized as one of the most significant sources of private funding for visual artists worldwide, operating from its headquarters in New York City.

History and founding

The foundation's origins are deeply intertwined with the lives and careers of two titans of 20th-century art. Following the tragic death of Jackson Pollock in a 1956 car accident, his widow, the esteemed painter Lee Krasner, assumed responsibility for managing his artistic estate. Krasner, a formidable artist in her own right associated with the New York School, dedicated decades to promoting Pollock's work and securing his place in art history. In her will, she directed that the majority of her estate, including proceeds from the sales of works by both herself and Pollock, be used to establish this philanthropic entity. The foundation officially commenced operations in 1985, the year after Krasner's death, realizing her vision of creating a lasting resource for artists. Its creation was a direct extension of Krasner's lifelong advocacy for living artists and her profound understanding of the financial challenges inherent in a creative career.

Mission and activities

The primary mission is to offer direct financial support to individual painters, sculptors, and artists working on paper who demonstrate both professional merit and immediate financial need. This support is intended to enable artists to concentrate on their work, purchase materials, rent studio space, prepare for exhibitions, and meet personal living expenses. Beyond its core grant-making, the foundation engages in related activities that align with its founders' legacies. It has funded significant museum exhibitions and scholarly publications related to Abstract Expressionism, Lee Krasner, and Jackson Pollock, contributing to art historical research. The organization also maintains an extensive archive and has supported conservation projects for works by its namesake artists, ensuring their preservation for future generations at institutions like the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Grant programs and recipients

The cornerstone of its work is the individual grant program, which provides substantial, no-strings-attached awards to artists internationally. Grants are awarded based on the recommendation of a distinguished committee of art professionals, including curators, critics, and established artists. Recipients span a wide range of career stages, from emerging to established artists, and work in diverse mediums and styles beyond Abstract Expressionism. Notable past grantees include acclaimed figures such as Helen Frankenthaler, Agnes Martin, Robert Motherwell, and Sean Scully, as well as hundreds of artists from countries like South Africa, Japan, Poland, and Mexico. The foundation also administers the annual Lee Krasner Award, a lifetime achievement recognition, and has provided emergency grants through partnerships with organizations like the New York Foundation for the Arts to assist artists in crisis following events such as Hurricane Katrina and the September 11 attacks.

Governance and leadership

The foundation is governed by a board of trustees responsible for overseeing its endowment, setting policy, and ensuring fidelity to Lee Krasner's mandate. For many years, its operations were steered by Chairman Charles C. Bergman, a close friend and advisor to Krasner who played a pivotal role in shaping the foundation's grant-making philosophy. The board and selection committees have historically included prominent individuals from the art world, such as curators from the Whitney Museum of American Art, directors of the Guggenheim Museum, and respected art historians. Day-to-day administration is handled by a professional staff in New York, who manage the application review process, artist relations, and the stewardship of the Pollock-Krasner artistic legacy.

Impact and legacy

The impact on the visual arts has been profound and far-reaching. By distributing many millions of dollars in direct support, it has sustained the careers of thousands of artists across the globe, often providing crucial stability at pivotal moments. Its model of trusting artists with unrestricted funds has been influential in arts philanthropy. Furthermore, through its funding of exhibitions, publications, and archival work, it has significantly bolstered the scholarly understanding and public appreciation of Abstract Expressionism and its key figures. The foundation stands as Lee Krasner's final and most generous artistic gesture, a permanent institution that successfully translates the commercial success of the Pollock-Krasner estate into ongoing support for the creative community, thereby eternally linking the legacies of two iconic artists to the future of art itself.

Category:Arts organizations based in New York City Category:Art foundations Category:1985 establishments in New York (state)