Fountain House Gallery
Program: Arts in Health
Area of Work: Arts
Grant Purpose: Artist Studio Program
Overview
Founded in 1948, Fountain House designs therapeutic environments that provide a unique combination of integrated healthcare, social interventions, professional development, and supported housing for adults living with a serious mental illness in New York City. Individuals living with a serious mental illness voluntarily join Fountain House as members. Fountain House’s physical locations are called “clubhouses” to reflect an insistence on belonging and acceptance. Fountain House members are active participants in their own and each other’s recovery; they contribute their talents, learn new skills, access opportunities and forge friendships.
In 2000, Fountain House pioneered a new model for members who were artists. They established Fountain House Gallery, a Manhattan-based gallery that shows and sells original artworks by members and collaborates with a wide network of artists, curators and cultural institutions. The Studio, located in Long Island City, is a collaborative workspace that furthers the professional practice of the member artists.
Grant
Purpose: To support Fountain House Gallery and its Studio Program.
The Illumination Fund supports Fountain House Gallery in Manhattan and its Studio Program in Long Island City, Queens, which hosts artists-in-residence, provides working space, materials, and arts education programs, mounts exhibitions, and offers community programming. The Gallery and Studio aim to deliver exposure for member artists, build their professional skills, and break the stigma associated with serious mental illness.
Impact
The foundation supported the establishment of the Studio program for artists, the artists in residence program, and the growth of classes and workshops. These programs have exposed members to training, education and development opportunities that helped them foster their artistic talent and use art as a tool for mental health recovery. In 2023, Fountain House had:
- 130+ members on roster & outreach lists
- 170+ artwork submissions per exhibition (~20 more pieces than in 2022)
- 51 members attending the studio @1248+ Studio Hours
- 10 Member led art making workshops
- 40 (avg.) members in person at gallery/ a week for volunteering, meetings, etc.
- 50 in-person Studio One (workshop) sessions
