General Information
Q: What does the Foundation do?
A: The foundation manages an innovative and flexible grants program while also preserving Warhol’s legacy through creative and responsible licensing policies and extensive scholarly research for ongoing catalogue raisonné projects. To date, the foundation has given over $260 million in cash grants to over 1,000 arts organizations in 49 states and abroad and has donated 52,786 works of art to 322 institutions worldwide.
Q: Who established the Foundation?
A: Andy Warhol. The Foundation was established in accordance with Andy Warhol’s will which generously directed the vast majority of his estate be used to establish a charitable organization to advance the visual arts. As such, the Foundation is one of the designated stewards of Andy Warhol’s legacy.
Q: What type of projects does the Foundation fund?
A: Our grants support artist-centered organizations, the creation of new work, and/or contemporary visual arts projects that we believe will lead to significant contributions in the visual arts field. The program is notable for its accessibility and its responsiveness to the evolving needs of artists.
Q: Where is the Foundation located?
A: The Foundation is located in New York, NY.
Q: Is the Foundation open to the public?
A: No, The Foundation is a private office that is not open to the public.
Q: Is the Foundation part of The Andy Warhol Museum?
A: No. The Andy Warhol Museum is an independent institution within the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh organization.
Q: Does the Foundation have research facilities?
A: No. The Foundation does not have research facilities but has worked diligently to ensure information about Warhol and his work is widely accessible to researchers. The best place to go for comprehensive information about Andy Warhol is the The Andy Warhol Museum, 117 Sandusky St., Pittsburgh, PA 15212; Tel: 412-237-8300; email: information@warhol.org. They hold the largest collection of Warhol’s artworks and archival materials the vast majority of which were donated by The Andy Warhol Foundation. These materials are available for scholarly research at the graduate level and above in the museum’s Archives Study Center. Also, Stanford University’s online Andy Warhol Photography Archive features over 130,000 photographic exposures donated by the Foundation which document Warhol’s daily life. The Andy Warhol Foundation has also contributed more than 35,000 images of the artist’s work to the Artstor Digital Library utilized by many educational institutions. Finally, The Andy Warhol Foundation has funded the Andy Warhol Catalogue Raisonné, the definitive record of the artist’s paintings, sculptures and drawings as well as Andy Warhol Prints: A Catalogue Raisonné tracing the artists complete graphic oeuvre which, along with numerous books written by Warhol and books and catalogues about the artist and his work, are available in public libraries.
Q: Does the foundation have an exhibition space?
A: No. The Foundation does not have an exhibition space. The largest single collection of Warhol’s work is exhibited at The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, PA. Additionally, many major public and private institutions around the world have Warhol’s work in their collections, and often have them on view.
Catalogues Raisonnés
Q: I own a work of art by Andy Warhol. How do I submit it for inclusion in the Andy Warhol Catalogue Raisonné?
A: Owners of works are encouraged to contact the Andy Warhol Catalogue Raisonné by filling out an owner questionnaire here. The Andy Warhol Catalogue Raisonné is documenting Warhol’s work only in the media of paintings, sculptures, and drawings. Please note that completing the owner form does not guarantee the work will be included in the Catalogue Raisonné. You may also email ownership information to catalogue@warholfoundation.org, or mail it to The Andy Warhol Catalogue Raisonné, The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, 65 Bleecker Street, 7 FL, New York, NY 10012.
Q: Does the Andy Warhol Foundation authenticate works of art, or offer certificates of authenticity?
A: In 2011, the Andy Warhol Art Authentication Board was authorized to cease operations, and no longer exists. The Andy Warhol Foundation does not offer opinions on works of art purported to be by Andy Warhol, nor does it state whether or not a work will be included in the Catalogue Raisonné prior to publication. The Foundation does not offer certificates of authenticity, nor does it offer appraisals, valuations, or recommendations of an appraiser. Further, the Warhol Foundation cannot advise or comment on certification, authentication, or representation by other parties.
FILMS
Q: How can I view Andy Warhol films?
A: The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, PA, shows his films on an ongoing basis. To rent a 16mm film for a class or lecture, please contact Circulating Film Library of The Museum of Modern Art Tel: 212-708-9530, email: circfilm@moma.org. Scholars and other individuals interested in viewing Warhol’s films may contact the Film Study Center at The Museum of Modern Art at 212-708-9614 to arrange screenings.
Q: How do I arrange for the inclusion of a Warhol film or video in an upcoming exhibition or presentation?
A: The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, PA, owns and controls the copyrights to Andy Warhol’s films and videos. Requests to include a Warhol film or video should be directed to The Andy Warhol Museum at 412-237-8300.
Grant and Programs
Q: Do you speak to applicants before receiving proposals?
A: Yes; in fact, it is a good idea to get directly in touch with program staff to talk through ideas for a proposal before submitting one.
Q: Do you fund organizations that are just getting off the ground?
A: Grants are most often made to organizations that have already received support from multiple sources and are at a moment of programmatic strength, having figured out the best ways to support artists.
Q: If I am applying for two-year program support do I need to have the full schedule of exhibitions and public programs nailed down?
A: No. We understand that in order to be responsive to artists, schedules can’t be set in stone so far in advance. Please include as many details as you have at the time of application (or select a few compelling examples) and give a rough idea of the kind of work/artists/project that will be showcased in the following year.
Q: Do you fund multiple exhibitions by the same artist?
A: We try to support as many artists as possible with our grants; consequently, we only support one major project of an artist over the course of their career. It is best to call in advance to determine if the foundation has already supported the artist in question.
Q: Do you support documentary films?
A: The foundation does not specialize in funding documentaries – or any fiction or non-fiction films – though occasionally it will support projects that explicitly engage the contemporary visual art world. These projects must be experimental in form and/or content and must address under-studied figures or histories.
Q: Do you fund artist residencies?
A: Yes. A strong application for a residency program should include a public facing component and/or professional development opportunity such as open studios, exhibitions, public events, and facilitated connections with mentors, critics, scholars, and community members.
Q: Can I include testimonials from artists?
A: Testimonials are not necessary, and as they are expected to be positive, rarely do much to advance a case for funding.
Q: If my organization received multi-year support from the Foundation, when may it apply again?
A: Grantees are ineligible to apply until a full calendar year has passed following the end of a grant.
Q: Do I have a better chance of receiving a grant once my organization has been funded once?
A: Not necessarily. No funding is ongoing. Priority goes to first time grantees in regions both rural and urban across the country.
Q: Does the Foundation like to be the sole supporter of a project?
A: The only category of grant where full funding might be appropriate is the Curatorial Research Fellowship. Otherwise, grants should represent no more than 25% of an organization’s budget or 25% of the direct costs of a large-scale project.
Q: Does the Foundation like to see programs named after its support?
A: No. The Foundation tends not to fund art prizes, named Fellowships, or permanent installations of any kind.
Q: Do you support projects by Andy Warhol?
A: No. Projects should not have any explicit connection to Warhol or his work nor should applications focus on his legacy, his methodology, or his vision.
Q: Does the Foundation give grants to individual artists?
A: No. The Foundation does not give grants directly to individuals. However, it does provide substantial support to Creative Capital, which in turn provides professional development and project grants to individual artists. Creative Capital also administers the Arts Writers program which makes grants to individual arts writers. The Foundation gives money to non-profit cultural organizations to directly support artists through visual arts programming and regranting initiatives. A good source for individual visual artists to find out about grant opportunities is the New York Foundation for the Arts and the NYFA Source hotline, 800-232-2789, as well as The Foundation Center.
Q: Do you fund internationally?
A: A very small percentage of grants are made to organizations based outside of the US. Organizations must submit a letter of inquiry before the deadline after which they may be invited to make a full application. If international projects have a US venue, provide opportunities for a broad network of underserved international artists, or undertake themes that have not been adequately engaged in the US, they will be more competitive.
Image Licensing
Q: How do I obtain permission to use reproductions of artwork created by Andy Warhol?
A: The copyrights controlled by Andy Warhol to works of art he created during his lifetime were transferred from his estate to The Andy Warhol Foundation. Please send detailed inquiries to use reproductions of Andy Warhol artwork to: licensing@warholfoundation.org.
Q: How do I obtain permission to use Andy Warhol’s name and/or signature?
A: The Foundation is the registrant of numerous “WARHOL” trademarks internationally which have been used extensively in conjunction with many goods and services for decades. Andy Warhol’s name, signature, image, and likeness embody the goodwill and association of The Andy Warhol Foundation. Please send detailed inquiries to: licensing@warholfoundation.org.
Q: How can I obtain permission to use Warhol content in conjunction with merchandise?
A: The Foundation has an extensive global licensed merchandise program which taps into the artists continued influence on contemporary culture. Interested parties should send inquiries to licensing@warholfoundation.org.
Q: How can I obtain a high-resolution image of an Andy Warhol artwork for reproduction?
A: The Andy Warhol Foundation has an extensive collection of high-resolution images of Andy Warhol’s artworks, available to licensees for rental through our various agencies. These agencies are also able to facilitate non-merchandise licenses associated with reproductions of Andy Warhol’s artwork. Please note that we do not have images of all of Andy Warhol’s artworks available. Dependent on your location, please contact one of the following organizations:
For image rentals in the UK: Artimage/DACS at artimage@dacs.org.uk.
For image rentals in France, Monaco, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Switzerland: ADAGP at adagp.images@adagp.fr
For image rentals in Spain or Portugal: VEGAP at infobcn@vegap.es.
For image rentals in the United States of America and all other territories: Artists Rights Society (ARS) at info@arsny.com.
Q: Does the Foundation sell Andy Warhol merchandise?
A: No. The Foundation does not sell licensed merchandise. Instead, it contracts with numerous parties to develop and sell Andy Warhol licensed merchandise globally. For additional information about our licensed merchandise program please visit the licensing section of this website. For information about current licensees please refer to our news feed. Further inquiries regarding authorized merchandise can be directed to licensing@warholfoundation.org.
Sales and Artworks
Q: Does the Foundation purchase artwork by Warhol or other artists?
A: No.
Q: Does the Foundation sell original works of art created by Andy Warhol?
A: Yes. The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts has engaged Christie’s for sales of the artist’s work from its collection. For private sale inquiries, please contact Allison Immergut (aimmergut@christies.com). Additionally, the Foundation has established a collaboration with eBay for Charity for ongoing online auctions and sales of original Warhol drawings, printed material and vintage posters. Please visit the Foundation’s eBay for Charity store for more information.
Q: Why is the Foundation selling these artworks and materials?
A: Since its inception, the Foundation has donated over 50,000 works of art to hundreds of institutions. The Foundation also co-founded The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, and endowed it with more than 4,000 iconic artworks. Remaining works of art from the Foundation’s collection are sold to generate funds in support of the Foundation’s philanthropic mission of advancing the visual arts.
Q: Does the Foundation accept gifts of Andy Warhol’s artworks or memorabilia?
A: No. Any potential gifts or donations should be directed to The Andy Warhol Museum, information@warhol.org.
Q: Does the Foundation appraise Warhol artworks?
A: No. The Foundation does not appraise Andy Warhol’s artwork. If you are interested in an appraisal, contact the appropriate appraisal department of a professional auction house or an independent appraiser.
