Hallie Ford Fellowship in the Visual Arts

The Ford Family Foundation established the Visual Arts Program to honor co-founder Hallie Ford's commitment to Oregon and the visual arts. This grants program is intended to accelerate artistic endeavor and improve Oregon's visual arts ecology by providing resources to support mid-career Oregon visual artists and making strategic investments in Oregon visual arts institutions.

The Foundation provides up to three $25,000 Fellowships per calendar year to Oregon mid-career visual artists who have demonstrated sophisticated exploration and potential for significant future accomplishment. These resources support the conceptualization and creation of new work. The Foundation dedicates additional resources to support Fellows in exhibiting and producing catalogs of their works. Awardees are encouraged to continue association with the Foundation and other Fellows, creating a supportive community through convenings to share experiences and learn from one another.

Eligibility requires applicants to be practicing visual artists currently producing works in fine and contemporary art and craft; full-time Oregon residents for at least 36 months prior to the deadline; 30 years of age or older; with seven or more years of serious, active professional participation in their medium; and not enrolled in a degree-seeking program. The Foundation accepts applications from any visual arts medium except film, video, and animation, though it will emphasize classic disciplines in early years. Applications must include answers to two questions (2,000 characters each), an artist's statement (2,000 characters), a resume not exceeding three pages with three professional references, and up to ten sample images created within the past 7-10 years with title, year, dimensions, and description for each. A jury of five arts professionals will review applications and recommend three finalists. The Foundation will confirm eligibility and conduct reference checks before awarding Fellowships.