Initiated in 1985 with the support of Jerome Foundation, Franklin Furnace annually awards grants to early career artists selected by peer panel review to enable them to produce major performance art works in New York City.

Artists may apply once per year as an individual, and once per year as part of a collaboration. FUND grants range between $2,000 and $10,000 based on the peer review panel allocation of funding received by Franklin Furnace.

Artists from all areas of the world are encouraged to apply; however, artists selected by the panel are expected to present their work in New York City. Full-time students are ineligible.

See the full list of Franklin Furnace funded projects

Franklin Furnace has no curator; each year a new panel of artists reviews all proposals. We believe this peer panel system allows all kinds of artists from all over the world an equal shot at presenting their work. Every year the panel changes, as do the definitions of “early career artist” and “performance art.”

The Franklin Furnace FUND for Performance Art 2024-2025 has confirmed support from Jerome Foundation, Silicon Valley Community Foundation and the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.