About the Foundation
Art Now is a unique foundation dedicated to supporting contemporary Israeli art. It is led by Vered Ilani and Sharon Brandes, who have been active in public art initiatives for nearly two decades. The fund was established after sixteen years of extensive support and activity at the Sapir College School of Art and later through the "For the Art" foundation, with the goal of promoting Israeli art in peripheral regions of the country.
With a desire to expand its support beyond geographical peripheries, the fund is renewing its vision to include museums and exhibition spaces outside major city centers.
This expansion stems from the understanding, recognition, and belief that humanistic, creative, and artistic values are essential for a healthy society. In today’s complex reality, where art is increasingly marginalized, the need for support has grown. Supporting artistic endeavors in various regions across the country allows for greater exposure to diverse audiences, encouraging critical and creative thinking that touches all aspects of life and every community.
The foundation aims to support innovative and significant artistic projects, including artists, curators, non-profit institutions, and exhibition spaces, as well as thought-provoking ideas created specifically for the exhibition context.
Applications are open exclusively to Israeli artists and curators from across the country.
Support requests are accepted once a year and will be reviewed by a professional committee.
Applications for 2025 support will be accepted from March 1, 2025, until March 31, 2025, at midnight (Israel time).
Submissions received after this deadline will not be considered.
Who are we?
Vered llani
Co-chair
Co-Chair and Co-Founder of Art Now – a foundation supporting contemporary art.
Holds a B.A. in Political Science from Tel Aviv University and a Professional Curator Certificate from the Yona Fischer Program for Contemporary Curation and Museology at the Israeli Art House, in collaboration with the Herzliya Museum of Contemporary Art.
With a deep passion for art, she has expanded her knowledge over the years through various courses at Tel Aviv University and the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, focusing on contemporary art and collectible design.
In 2008, she founded the Friends Association of the Art School at Sapir College, working for 11 years to promote its creative work, support students, and help underprivileged young artists fulfill their dreams through scholarships.
In 2020, she co-founded and led the "Art Lane" Fund with Sharon Brandes, which supported 45 exhibitions in peripheral areas over five years.
In 2025, she co-founded the Art Now Fund with Sharon Brandes, aiming to advance contemporary art and support artists in the local scene.
Sharon Brandes
Co-chair
Co-Chair and Co-Founder of Art Now – a philanthropic foundation supporting contemporary art.
A passionate advocate for art and culture, both in Israel and internationally, she has been an active supporter in the philanthropic field for nearly two decades. Her family holds a long-standing art collection.
Education: B.A. in Art History and Curatorial Studies.
In 2008, she joined Vered Ilani in establishing the Friends Association of Sapir College. Since then, they have collaborated on founding the "Art Lane" Fund, which operated from 2020 to 2024.
In 2025, they co-founded the Art Now foundation, which promotes art in both peripheral and central regions, supporting the local art scene.
