Housing Stability Grant

In recognition of the increasing unaffordability of rental housing in New York City and the housing insecurity it creates for artists, the WOODMAN FAMILY FOUNDATION HOUSING STABILITY GRANT for ARTISTS (WFF HSG) was launched in 2025. We’re proud to announce that the first round of funds have officially been sent to the inaugural grant recipients. Each of the five grantees receives $30,000 over three years to subsidize rent and utilities. In addition to funding, Finalists and Grantees have access to one-on-one housing counseling from the Entertainment Community Fund.

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The grant is the result of significant preparation with our partners at New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA), which administers the grants. This included research into the housing needs of New York City artists, program development, and application reviews. You can read an excerpt of the research report, which details the particular burdens that artists in the city face and learn more about the WFF HSG and the granting process.

Receiving this grant is deeply meaningful for me and my artistic practice…This grant offers more than financial relief: it allows me to continue my artistic practice with stability and peace of mind. By reducing the constant anxiety around housing costs, I can devote my energy to creating new work and strengthening my career. During this grant period, I hope to stabilize our household and build momentum so that I can continue to work with focus and dedication long after the grant ends. – Inaugural WFF HSG Grantee

The WFF HSG serves established visual artists living in, and planning to remain in, New York City. Recipients may use the funds for new housing that reduces their rent obligation, guarantees a stable rental obligation such as a lengthy lease in their existing or new housing, and/or provides greater access to live/work space. Through this grant, WFF and NYFA hope that recipients will be able to stabilize their housing for at least three years, allowing them to focus on their creative practice and build more sustainable careers.

In addition to being prolific artists themselves, Betty Woodman, Francesca Woodman, and George Woodman were deeply engaged with and supportive of other artists and their work. This grant is the Foundation’s way of carrying on their commitment to artists at a time when the financial realities of living in the city have become so prohibitive.

Each intimately understood that secure housing within the city’s active arts community is vital to artists, having lived and worked in New York City in a more affordable time and at different points in their careers. Francesca moved to New York in 1979 after graduating from RISD to pursue exhibition opportunities and actively build her career. Betty and George, more established artists and art professors in Boulder, arrived a year later. George continued to show in museums and galleries in New York as he had since the 1960s. The move was pivotal in Betty’s shift from potter to sculptor, beginning her long career in the contemporary art world. Their time in NYC was critical to their artistic development.

At a time when housing instability and inaccessibility have felt overwhelming, your support brings me hope, safety, and the chance to rebuild my life. This grant gives me not only some stability, but also the ability to keep creating and contributing to the arts community in New York City. You are helping me move forward out of a very difficult place, and I am profoundly grateful. – Inaugural WFF HSG Grantee

Research indicated that sustained cash grants to supplement rent and utilities payments would help address the strain so many artists face as they work to maintain their practices, lives, and artistic communities. The high number of qualified applicants confirmed artists’ overwhelming need for financial support for housing.

With additional funding, we can increase the number of artists helped by this grant. We invite you to join us in supporting the vibrant and necessary NYC artist community. Tax-deductible contributions can be made directly to NYFA.

The 2025 application cycle is now closed. To be notified about our open call for future cycles of the WFF HSG, please sign up for our mailing list.