The Joyce Foundation, based in Chicago, is reviving its Joyce Awards, which have been instrumental in supporting artists from the Great Lakes area since 2004. After a year-long hiatus following the 2024 awards cycle, the foundation is introducing a fresh funding model.
In a significant shift, the awards will now offer a $100,000 unrestricted grant directly to each of the four selected artists, moving away from the previous project-based funding approach. Additionally, a $40,000 grant will be awarded to a nonprofit organization based in the Great Lakes region, chosen by the winning artist, to aid in expanding their work.
Starting in 2026, the Joyce Awards will operate on a biannual basis. Artists from Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin will be eligible in even-numbered years, while those from Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio will have their turn in odd-numbered years, starting in 2027.
For the 2026 cohort, artists can now self-nominate, with applications open until May 4. The announcement of the selected artists will take place in November, and applications for the 2027 cohort will commence in the spring of that year. The Joyce Foundation will continue to invite peer nominations, allowing a diverse range of artists to apply.
To qualify, artists must be based in one of the six Great Lakes states and focus on issues of racial equity while actively engaging communities through collaborative efforts. The awards are open to a variety of disciplines, including visual arts, performing arts, film, multimedia, and literary arts.
Mia Khimm, the foundation's culture program director, emphasized the awards' role in promoting social change and enhancing the Great Lakes region's cultural landscape. "The Joyce Awards have been vital in advancing our mission for two decades," she stated.
In collaboration with United States Artists (USA), a leading grant administrator for artists, the Joyce Foundation aims to provide essential support to artists. Judilee Reed, USA's president and CEO, highlighted the importance of unrestricted funding, stating that such support acknowledges artists' critical role in enriching society.
Since their inception, the Joyce Awards have allocated over $5 million to fund more than 90 new artistic works. The foundation used its 20th anniversary as a chance to reassess its impact and engage with artists and community leaders to better understand their needs.
The outcome of these discussions revealed a strong demand for unrestricted support, enabling artists to address their most pressing challenges and engage meaningfully with their communities. Khimm noted that this flexibility is crucial in today's evolving landscape.
This new funding model also reflects the Joyce Foundation's commitment to fostering a thriving ecosystem for artists, organizations, and communities to flourish together.
