The Lillian Orlowsky and William Freed Grant for Painters

The Lillian Orlowsky and William Freed Grant for Painters is offered by the Provincetown Art Association and Museum. The late Lillian Orlowsky and William Freed were students of Hans Hofmann who studied with him in both New York and Provincetown. They were active at PAAM as artist members, instructors in the summer school, and served on a variety of committees throughout their 50 years on Cape Cod. Lillian was sensitive to the challenges artists face, especially those working against the mainstream or outside of popular schools of art. Her generous endowment gift reflects her passionate commitment to art created regardless of the demands and whims of the marketplace.

Grants are offered to American painters aged 45 or older who demonstrate financial need. The primary emphasis is to promote public awareness and a commitment to American art, as well as encouraging interest in painters who lack adequate recognition. For the purposes of this grant, painting is defined as the application of various wet media (oil, acrylic, gouache, ink, tempera, watercolor, egg tempera, casein, enamel) on paper, canvas, fabric, or wood, including fresco. Mixed media, encaustic, collage, dry pastels, digital paintings, prints, and work in graphite or drawings are excluded. The use of multiple paint mediums is allowed.

Applicants must be American citizens or have permanent residency in the United States, though they can be presently living abroad. A need for financial support must be clear and demonstrated. Applicants are encouraged to submit recent works of art as opposed to artworks spanning their entire career. Applications require 10 images, artist statement, resume, essay, and financial information. A jury made up of three art historians, artists, curators, and critics will review applications in late spring. Applicants will be notified no later than July 1, 2026 via email.