Sotheby’s and ARTNOIR are thrilled to declare the return and enhancement of the Jar of Love Fund, a microgrant initiative centered on support, mentorship, and career development for artists, designers, curators, and cultural producers of color. To broaden its impact, the 2024 cycle of the Jar of Love Fund will extend its reach internationally, delving into London, in partnership with Dr. Samuel Ross’ MBE’s Black British Artist Grants Programme by SR_A, while maintaining its commitment to artists of color in New York.
The Jar of Love Fund is set to disburse unrestricted funds of $5,000 to selected artists in New York and London. We are opening our applications to New York artists from June 6, 2024, and London applications will commence in July 2024. A prestigious committee of art industry peers will select the grantees, with the announcement of the 2024 cohort slated for this summer and fall.
Co-Founder of ARTNOIR, Larry Ossei-Mensah, articulates, “ARTNOIR takes immense pride to partner again with Sotheby’s in our continuing Jar of Love Fund. Aligned with our mission at ARTNOIR, we chart a course of support and advancement for artists, curators and cultural producers of color in New York City and London with this initiative, enabling them to etch lasting legacies.”
Established by ARTNOIR in 2020, the Jar of Love Fund has shown continued expansion. Since its inception, we have already distributed over $100,000 USD. This year, the program extends its reach to London, in partnership with Dr. Samuel Ross MBE and the Black British Artist Grants Programme by SR_A, aimed at bolstering Black British contributions to the global creative economy.
Sotheby’s AVP, Equity & Impact, Walden Huntley-Fenner, states, “In partnership with ARTNOIR and SR_A, we’re proud to support and expand the Jar of Love Fund this year. Our aim is to foster a more inclusive cultural landscape and empower the upcoming wave of artistic leaders. The Jar of Love Fund stands out for its flexibility and comprehensive support system, facilitating artists to allocate funds where they are most needed.”
Since its initiation, ARTNOIR has proven to be an influential agent of social change, instigating equity across arts and culture industries. The organization operates on the principle of community-first, providing relief, love, and care for artists, designers, curators, and cultural producers when they need it most. The unrestricted Jar of Love grants enable recipients to free mental and spiritual capacity for creating, collaborating, and continuing their journey in strength.
