FAQ

Does the Foundation make its archives available to outside scholars for research?

The Foundation does have research facilities available to qualified candidates. You must present a written proposal for review and approval by the Foundation. You may send your proposal to Joree Adilman, Foundation Manager, at .

Can the general public view artworks by Robert Mapplethorpe that the Foundation currently owns?

No. The Foundation does not have a public exhibition space. Many of Mapplethorpe's works can be seen at museums and galleries throughout the United States and abroad. The largest collection of his work is at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City. Also see our Exhibitions page for a list of current and upcoming Mapplethorpe shows.

Can I buy Mapplethorpe related merchandise, such as calendars, notecards, books, etc. from the Foundation?

No, the Foundation does not sell these products directly, but does license the reproduction of Robert Mapplethorpe's work for use on various products. You can shop at the Foundation's online store by clicking here.

Can you tell me how much my Robert Mapplethorpe photograph is worth?

The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation does not appraise Robert Mapplethorpe's artwork. If you would like a professional appraisal, contact the appraisal department of Christie's (212-546-1000); Sotheby's (212-606-7000); or Phillips de Pury (212-940-1215) auction houses.

How do I get a Mapplethorpe work authenticated?

Authentication of Robert Mapplethorpe's work is available at the Foundation. You must be willing to leave the work at the Foundation for approximately one week. The fee for authentication of the work is $200. Please email a jpeg of the work you would like authenticated and all relevant information to Joree Adilman at .

Does the Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation purchase artwork by Mapplethorpe or other artists?

No.

Does the Mapplethorpe Foundation loan Mapplethorpe works to museums for exhibitions?

Yes. Please contact Joree Adilman, , for more information.

Does the Foundation accept gifts of Robert Mapplethorpe's artworks or memorabilia?

Yes. Please call the Foundation at 212-755-3025.

Does The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation give grants to individual artists?

The Foundation does not give grants directly to individuals. A good place for individual visual artists to find out about grant opportunities is Visual Artist Info Hotline, 800-232-2789, which operates Monday - Friday, 2-5 pm EST. Also see The Foundation Center and Creative Capital Foundation.

How can I get permission to reproduce photographs by Robert Mapplethorpe as illustrations in a book, article or paper that I'm writing?

The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation owns the copyright to Robert Mapplethorpe's artworks, regardless of who owns specific works of art. Anyone wishing to reproduce Mapplethorpe's work in an academic paper, collection of academic essays or an exhibition catalogue should contact Joree Adilman, Foundation Manager, . For the details required to request reproduction rights, please click here.

How can I get permission to use Mapplethorpe reproductions in an advertisement, magazine or newspaper feature, text book or in other commercial ways, such as licensed merchandise?

Please contact Michael Van Horne at Art + Commerce, the licensing agency for the Foundation,
Tel: (212) 886-0575 or .

Does The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation give grants to organizations outside of the United States?

No, the Foundation grants funding only to organizations within the United States.

What are the Mapplethorpe Foundation's funding guidelines?

The Foundation's general funding guidelines can be reviewed by clicking here.
The Foundation's specific guidelines for AIDS/HIV research proposals can be downloaded by clicking here.

Who sits on the Foundation's Board of Directors?

Michael Ward Stout   President
Burton G. Lipsky
Dimitri Levas
Stewart Shining
Eric R. Johnson

Where can I purchase an original photograph by Robert Mapplethorpe?

Please contact one of the Foundation's representative galleries: