Israel Culture Project

Israeli artists are facing a profound cultural challenge. Across the globe, creators are being boycotted, disinvited, and denied platforms not for the substance of their work but for their nationality. At the very moment when art is most needed to foster dialogue, nuance, and understanding, funding streams and distribution channels are narrowing.

Here at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, we believe the response must be bold, strategic, and philanthropic. The Israel Culture Project is a $1M landmark initiative designed to protect, elevate, and sustain Israeli artistic voices in New York and across North America. This first year will build the infrastructure, partnerships, and proof of concept necessary to scale the work with strength and intention.

Through exhibitions, film, music, literature, and artist residencies, this project will transform the JCC into a living cultural bridge between Israel and the world, ensuring that Israeli art is not only preserved but boldly seen, heard, and celebrated.

As the Israel Culture Project launches its first year, we are proud to introduce the Inaugural Artist Grants—a new investment in Israeli creative voices and artistic innovation. In celebration of the extraordinary vitality of Israeli culture, the Israel Culture Project will award four grants of $5,000 each to artists working in the fields of Visual Arts, Literature, Performing Arts, and Filmmaking. These grants are designed to support bold new work, encourage artistic experimentation, and help amplify Israeli artists at a moment when cultural support and international platforms are more essential than ever.

We are honored to begin this journey by directly supporting artists whose work challenges, inspires, and expands the contemporary cultural conversation.

The deadline to apply is November 15, 2026.

To read the full guidelines and application information, and to apply, please click here.

The Israel Culture Project at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan serves as a resource and cultural partner for institutions, curators, festivals, universities, JCCs, Hillels, and organizations across the United States seeking to engage with contemporary Israeli art and culture in meaningful and dynamic ways.

Drawing on our extensive network of artists, filmmakers, curators, galleries, and cultural institutions, the Israel Culture Project offers advisory and curatorial support across a wide range of disciplines and programming formats. Whether you are planning a single event, a film series, a public conversation, or a large-scale multidisciplinary initiative, we are happy to help develop thoughtful and impactful Israeli cultural programming for your audiences.