About

Nguyen Arts Fund (NF) is a U.S.-based arts organization founded in 2025 by Chau Nguyen and headquartered in New York City. The organization advances a sustainable, paid exhibition model that centers artists’ labor. Working in collaboration with existing galleries, cultural institutions, and alternative venues, NF curates and presents exhibitions across the United States.

The organization operates with a lean, exhibition-based structure that includes Nguyen, a curatorial council, an advisory panel, and a network of organizational partners engaged as needed for each exhibition. A grant writing team and a grassroots fundraising campaign are in development to support multiple exhibitions planned for the upcoming U.S. Semiquincentennial. 

Legal and ethical safeguards, including art insurance, UPEPA speech protections, and assurances for artists, will reinforce the project’s integrity. Lastly, the organization is in network with lawyers who can provide oversight for any issue that artists might face.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • In some respects, yes. Artists are selected based on artistic excellence and relevance to each exhibition’s curatorial framework.

  • We work with all artists across disciplines and career stages. Our mission is to advance innovative, experimental, and groundbreaking work. As an organization, we are also committed to supporting communities of color and immigrant communities.

  • NF is supported through a combination of grant funding, a modest open-call application fee, and public donations.

  • Each member of the Curatorial Council curates one exhibition in alignment with NF’s mission to advance innovation in the arts. Curators also review and provide approval on other curators’ exhibition concepts and execution. Curators can engage with some aspects of NF’s operation on a case-by-case basis.

  • Artists are encouraged to follow us on social media and subscribe to our mailing list. Open calls are announced as they become available.

  • At this time, we are assessing our capacity to support external curator proposals. Curators who are able to independently secure equivalent funding for their exhibitions may be listed under NF, have their projects shared through our mailing list, and receive some legal and technical support from the NF operations team.

  • The Advisory Team provides guidance on governance, funding strategy, and legal matters. Currently, the Advisory Team operates in lieu of a traditional Board of Directors.

  • We are in the process of inviting curators and advisors to join the organization. Please check back for potential opportunities at a later date.

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