About the Foundation

The Joan Mitchell Foundation cultivates the study and appreciation of artist Joan Mitchell’s life and work, while fulfilling her wish to provide resources and opportunities for visual artists. Through its work, the Foundation affirms and amplifies artists’ essential contributions to society.

Composite image of 3 photographs, including artist Joan Mitchell, 3 women in conversation in front of an audience, and artist Ashley Teamer painting.
1: Joan Mitchell in her Vétheuil studio, 1983, photo by Robert Freson; 2: CALL/VoCA Talk with Legacy Specialists Lehna Huie and Beth Krebs, in conversation with Christie Mitchell, photo by Jules Slutsky; 3: Joan Mitchell Center Artist-in-Residence Ashley Teamer, photo by Reginald Eldridge, Jr.

Our Vision

The Foundation supports research, scholarship, and exhibitions to ensure Joan Mitchell is widely recognized and studied as a significant artist.

The Foundation’s grants, residencies, and related initiatives recognize artistic excellence and elevate a wide range of visual artists and practices. We work to actively expand the visual arts to better reflect the diverse world in which we live.

The Foundation serves as an evolving example and resource for how an artist’s generosity can impact future generations of artists.

Painters & Sculptors Grant Recipient Sonya Kelliher-Combs working in her studio. © Reginald Eldridge, Jr.

Our Impact

$20,268,000+

In Unrestricted Funds Distributed to Individual Artists

1,300+

Artists Awarded Grants

5,000+

Young Artists Supported or Educated

300+

Artists Hosted in Residencies at the Joan Mitchell Center

$8,500,000

In Funds Given to Organizations Providing Artist Support

What We Value

Being Artist Centered

The Foundation was established by an artist for artists. We trust that artists know what they need to best support their practices; their voices and feedback guide our work.

A Culture of Generosity

Joan Mitchell was generous to other artists during and beyond her lifetime. The Foundation carries forward her generosity by giving, sharing, and making connections with intention.

Commitment to Equity

We see diverse perspectives and the variety of lived experiences as through-lines in the Foundation's origins and legacy of artist support. Through ongoing inquiry, dialogue, and action on issues of equity, the Foundation strives to remove barriers to sustained artistic practice and careers in the visual arts.

Staff & Board

Our staff in New York and New Orleans bring our mission to life, overseeing the Foundation’s artist support programs, Mitchell legacy stewardship, finance and administration, and facilities. The Foundation's board of directors—made up of working artists and both arts- and non-arts professionals—manages the property, affairs, and business of the Foundation.

Where We're Located

We maintain two sites: a central office in New York’s Flatiron district and a residency center in New Orleans, the Joan Mitchell Center. While the Foundation and the Center are not open to the general public, you can visit during our events.