The Ovissi Foundation is dedicated to supporting artists and programs created by individuals of Iranian descent and promoting Iranian art and culture.

We have created three awards to initiate The Ovissi Foundation's giving program. Our vision is to slowly expand our award offerings to artists and programs outside of the United States in the near future.

At this time, our programming is dedicated to artists and non-profit institutions who are U.S. Citizens or whose central headquarters are in the United States, respectfully.

Learn more about our Ovissi Award programs:

Ovissi Artist Award

$1000 Award

The submission deadline is March 1, 2026. Scholarships will be granted by May 1, 2026.

The Ovissi Artist Award is open to visual artists, nonprofit 501(c)3s, a musical/performance and/or visual organizations/groups in the United States that are creating an artistic program (exhibition, concert, performance) that promotes the art, history, cultural and modern voice.

Criteria

Interested in visual artists and are open to multi-media work
Open to diversity of subject matter and thematic exploration
Organizations are welcome to apply for special exhibitions or productions

The information about our Application and Materials Submission can be found on this google form.

Modern Craft- Ceramic Award

$1000 award

The submission deadline is March 1, 2026. Scholarships will be granted by May 1, 2026.

The Modern Craft award is intended to highlight and recognize ceramic artists of Iranian heritage that are continuing traditional or exploring contemporary interpretations through the art of clay. Pieces may or may not relate to ancient and traditional Iranian art, themes and culture. We have an interest in modern interpretations of the art of ceramics.

Criteria

Clay based work and open mixed-media work.

Open to diversity of subject matter and thematic exploration.

The information about our Application and Materials Submission can be found on this google form.

Master’s of Fine Arts Scholarship

$1500 award

The submission deadline is March 1, 2026. Scholarships will be granted by May 1, 2026. The M.F.A award is designated for Iranian heritage artists; who are US citizens and pursuing their M.F.A. degree at a recognized program.