Frequently Asked Questions

The Israel Culture Project is a flagship initiative of the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan dedicated to supporting, presenting, and championing Israeli creativity. Through exhibitions, literature, film, support for artists and curators, performances, residencies, partnerships, and cultural programs, the Israel Culture Project creates meaningful opportunities for Israeli artists while strengthening cultural connections between Israel and the United States.

The JCC has long been one of the leading presenters of Israeli culture in the United States. As Israeli artists face growing cultural isolation and fewer international opportunities, the Israel Culture Project was created to expand that commitment by supporting artists directly, connecting them with institutions, and ensuring that Israeli creativity continues to reach broad audiences.

No.

The Israel Culture Project supports Israeli artists from all backgrounds, identities, and communities whose work contributes to the richness and diversity of Israeli culture.

Yes.

The Israel Culture Project is an initiative of the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan and is led by the Lambert Center for Arts + Ideas in collaboration with the David H. Sonabend Center for Israel and the Carole Zabar Center for Film.

Eligibility varies by program.

Each opportunity includes its own guidelines and eligibility requirements.

Artists are invited to submit portfolios, websites, or Instagram accounts through the Artists section of the website. Our curatorial team reviews submissions on an ongoing basis when developing exhibitions and programs.

Please note that submission does not guarantee inclusion in an exhibition or future project.

No.

The Israel Culture Project is not a gallery or artist representation agency. We serve as a cultural platform, creating opportunities through exhibitions, partnerships, residencies, festivals, and artist support initiatives.

Yes.

The Israel Culture Project is an expanding initiative. New exhibitions, artist calls, residencies, commissions, and support opportunities will be announced as they become available.

We encourage artists to check the website regularly and follow the Israel Culture Project for future announcements.

At this time, Work in Progress is open only to artists who are permanent residents of Israel.

Future opportunities will have different eligibility requirements.

No.

Applicants may apply in only one discipline per application cycle.

Work in Progress is the inaugural artist support initiative of the Israel Culture Project.

Unlike traditional grants that fund a specific project, Work in Progress invests directly in artists by providing unrestricted financial support to help them continue their creative practice.

Because we believe that artists are more than individual projects.

Work in Progress is built on the belief that meaningful artistic work develops over time through curiosity, experimentation, and sustained practice. We are investing in the artist, not simply the next artwork.

Recipients may use the unrestricted award in whatever way best supports their artistic practice, including studio rent, materials, research, equipment, childcare, travel, living expenses, or creating the time and space necessary to continue making art.

Each recipient participates in two private Work in Progress Conversations led by Udi Urman, director of the Lambert Center for Arts + Ideas, together with invited New York cultural professionals selected specifically for the artist’s discipline.

These conversations are designed to support the artist’s professional development and may include discussions about exhibitions, publishing, residencies, networking, portfolio development, and opportunities within the American cultural landscape.

No.

Artists retain full ownership and copyright of their work.

Yes.

Artists who are not selected are welcome to apply again if future application cycles become available.

Applicants must submit:
• Completed application
• Personal statement
• Portfolio or work samples
• Biography
• Curriculum Vitae

Please refer to the application guidelines for complete requirements.

Applications can’t be updated after submission.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all submitted links remain active throughout the review process.

The deadline for the inaugural Work in Progress awards is November 15, 2026.

Applicants will be notified by email on January 7, 2027.

The Israel Culture Project works with museums, galleries, universities, JCCs, Hillels, festivals, and cultural organizations by providing recommendations, curatorial consultation, traveling exhibitions, artist connections, Israeli film programming, literary programming, and multidisciplinary cultural initiatives.

Yes.

The Israel Culture Project offers consultation on Israeli film programming and can assist institutions interested in developing film festivals, screenings, or curated series.

Absolutely.

Our team is happy to recommend artists, curators, traveling exhibitions, ready to install projects, authors, filmmakers, and speakers based on your institution’s interests and audience.

Individuals, foundations, and organizations can support the Israel Culture Project by funding artist awards, exhibitions, film screenings, artist residencies, performances, educational programs, and cultural initiatives. Please use this link [NEED URL] or contact icp@mmjccm.org.

Yes.

The Israel Culture Project welcomes partnerships with institutions and supporters interested in bringing Israeli exhibitions, films, artists, and cultural programs to communities throughout the United States.

For artist inquiries, institutional partnerships, sponsorship opportunities, or general questions, please contact: icp@mmjccm.org.

Because every artist is a work in progress. Every body of work is a work in progress. Every creative journey is unfinished. We believe the greatest investment we can make is not in a single project, but in the artist whose next chapter is still being written.