The Tanne Foundation was created in 1998 by an artist with an enduring commitment to the arts. The Foundation’s primary interest is the support of individual artists especially those who lack sufficient resources to sustain their compelling need to create art. Awards are also made to artist-run organizations whose work fills cultural voids. The Foundation seeks to enrich the artistic experience and to broaden horizons for artists and audiences no matter what the artform.

The Foundation focuses on artistic endeavors, both traditional and new, that may lie outside the mainstream of the art world. Tanne Awards are meant as an expression of gratitude to the artists for their passion and commitment to their work.

Recipients of Tanne Awards are chosen by an internal selection procedure. As the Foundation does not make grants, there is no application process. We hope to inspire other foundations to support artists and their organizations. The Foundation publishes an Annual Report and maintains a website to stimulate interest in the work of the Tanne Award recipients.

Types of Awards
The Tanne Foundation awards are primarily focused on individual artists but artist-run art organizations are also considered.

Awards to Individuals
Tanne Awards recognize prior outstanding achievement by individual artists who have demonstrated exceptional talent and creativity but have limited financial resources or have difficulty obtaining funding. The awards are intended to enrich the recipient’s artistic life and are unconditional.

Awards to Organizations
The Foundation provides awards to non-profit, tax-exempt artist-run organizations that directly serve artists and seek to expand the artistic experience for artists and audiences alike. The awards are made for the overall artistic contributions of the organizations and are not intended to support specific projects Preference is shown for organizations that receive little or no funding from other sources.

Selection Process
The Tanne Foundation’s Board of Trustees is structured so that a majority of its members are artists. Board members identify potential award recipients whose perseverance and dedication to their practice inspire their nominations. The nominees are proposed with a written rationale for support at the Foundation’s annual meeting. Awards are made internally therefore the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Administration
The Tanne Foundation’s administrative office is maintained at Grants Management Associates, c/o Michelle Jenney, Administrator, 77 Summer Street, Boston, MA. 02110. Written inquiries preferred.