[Art Bridges Foundation](https://artbridgesfoundation.org)

June 1, 2026 (Wave 2 Research & Development) | November 1, 2026 (Phase 2 Part 1)

Direct payments and flat-funding awards; covers travel, project management, collections care, art handling, and community engagement costs over 4–6 years.

Supports multi-year, multi-museum partnerships to share American art, foster collaboration, and expand access—especially in underserved communities.

--- ## Description The Art Bridges Cohort Program is a multi-year initiative designed to expand public access to American art through collaborative partnerships among museums across the United States. Each cohort, led by a primary museum and comprising several partner museums, works together over 4–6 years to share collections, develop innovative exhibition models, and create inclusive community engagement opportunities. The program aims to break down institutional silos, streamline art lending, and foster sustainable, cost-effective exhibition practices, with a particular emphasis on reaching underserved regions. --- ## Due Dates - June 1, 2026: Wave 2 Research & Development application deadline (applications close) - November 1, 2026: Phase 2 Part 1 application deadline --- ## Funding Amount - Funding is provided through a mix of direct payments and flat-funding awards. - Art Bridges covers key costs across the program phases, including: - Travel and hosting for in-person convenings during Research & Development - Project manager and collections care apprentice salaries - Crating, shipping, installation, deinstallation, and insurance for artworks - Community engagement and accessibility initiatives - $500 per object loaned during art-sharing phases - Additional support is available for Learning & Engagement activities. - The program supports each cohort for 4–6 years, with funding varying by cohort size and project scope. --- ## Eligibility ### Lead Museums - Must be a US-based art museum with a substantial American art collection willing to share. - Must have completed at least one previous art-sharing project with Art Bridges. - Demonstrated strong history of community engagement. - Must have gallery space to support two 6-month art shares over 6 years. ### Cohort Members - Must be a US-based art museum with a strong history of American art exhibitions. - Demonstrated strong history of community engagement. - Must have a Director of Education or similar position on staff. - Must have gallery space to support two 6-month art shares over 6 years. **General Requirements** - Museums must be nonprofit (501(c)(3) or equivalent), open to the public on a regular schedule, and typically have annual attendance of 25,000 or more. - All partners are required to share art; if a partner does not have a collection, others must contribute additional works. - Matching funds are not required. --- ## Application Process - Review eligibility and program details on the [Cohort Program page](https://artbridgesfoundation.org/cohort). - Define your vision for partnership and identify potential cohort members (Art Bridges can assist). - Lead museums initiate the application; cohort members must be invited to participate. - Applications are submitted through the [Art Bridges Application Portal](https://artbridgesfoundation.my.site.com/ApplicationPortal/). - Both lead and member museums complete portions of the application and reporting requirements. - For questions or to discuss potential partnerships, contact the Art Bridges Cohort Program team. --- ## Additional Information - The program does not fund the creation of new artworks or hardback catalogs, but Learning & Engagement funding can support community projects, residencies, and workshops. - Participation in the Ki Futures Accessible Loans Program is required for all cohort partners. - Cohorts are recommended (but not required) to have partners within a 4-hour drive to minimize costs. - Cohorts typically include 4–6 museums, with 4–6 new cohorts launched annually. - Each art share must be on view for at least 6 months. --- ## External Links - [Art Bridges Cohort Program Overview](https://artbridgesfoundation.org/cohort) - [Partner With Art Bridges](https://artbridgesfoundation.org/partner-with-us) - [Application Portal](https://artbridgesfoundation.my.site.com/ApplicationPortal/) - [Contact Art Bridges Foundation](https://artbridgesfoundation.org/contact-us) - [Partner Stories](https://artbridgesfoundation.org/partner-stories) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |----------------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries & Program Team | [info@artbridgesfoundation.org](mailto:info@artbridgesfoundation.org) | | Contact Form | [Contact Us](https://artbridgesfoundation.org/contact-us) | ---

Art Bridges Cohort Program

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