Our story
About Masterwork
More than sixty years of funding the artists who make the work.
The Masterwork Music and Art Foundation began more than sixty years ago in Morristown, New Jersey — the brainchild of Shirley May, who was passionate about the arts and understood the importance of nurturing developing artists while infusing the cultural life of the community.
Generations of artists were influenced by the years of concerts, theatrical events and fine arts projects Masterwork Arts funded or produced.
In 2016, Shirley passed, which prompted a revitalisation of our organisation and a recommitment to expand Shirley's vision. Today we are intent on expanding our reach and impact to meet the changing needs of today's developing artists.
Our reason for being
We believe the arts are worth funding at the point where funding is hardest to find — early, for individuals and small organisations, before a body of work exists to point to. That is where a grant changes what gets made.
Where we work
Masterwork is based in Madison, New Jersey, and supports artists and arts organisations working in music, theatre, dance and the visual arts.