Silica was a grants program that I started to support ideas, and the people behind them.

Started with a monthly $1000 grant to make something new. The model evolved soon after to become $3000 distributed to 3 people over 3 months. I learned that projects needed time to take shape.

Launched with an open application, then iterated towards my gut instinct: I already knew who I wanted to support. So, I approached artists based in NYC; no application process.

Recipients worked on a self-directed project. New or existing. I sent $1000 at the start of each month and offered dedicated time to help work out any project needs. I also offered my skills, studio, network, support, etc. At the end of each project, I interviewed a couple of recipients about their practice.

12 grants distributed from January 2025–2026. I only used my personal funds, so that I could maintain full control over the experiment.

In an abundant world, I believe personal grants demonstrate one's taste and can ignite a modern culture of patronage.

Naveen Upender — industrial designer
Maya Man — internet artist
Deborah Igunma — creative director
Lex Dougé — fashion designer
Will Park — filmmaker
Ash Herr — creative technologist
Samuel Fash — filmmaker — nominated by Deborah Igunma
Dallas Snow — industrial designer
Renaise Kim — designer
Suzie Maez — photographer
Georgica Pettus — playwright — nominated by Ruby Justice Thelot
Kevin Cobb — painter — nominated by Lola Wajskop