We envision a world where both cancer patients and aspiring artists have access to the resources and sustenance necessary for their well-being and creative potential. 

We envision a world where both cancer patients and aspiring artists have access to the resources and sustenance necessary for their well-being and creative potential. 

Elysia Borowy with mural artwork by Ndubisi Okoye

Our New Director

Our New Director

The Rema Hort Mann Foundation is thrilled to welcome Elysia Borowy as its Executive Director. Her appointment marks the start of our next phase of expanded grantmaking and programming. In this role, Elysia will advance our work enabling cancer patients to connect with family and loved ones during treatment, and enhance and expand our grant programs for emerging artists at critical junctures in their careers. 


Read more about Elysia’s appointment by downloading the press release.

Latest

The Rema Hort Mann Foundation announced today that the Pat Hearn and Colin De Land Cancer Foundation gave $60,000 to support the Rema Hort Mann Foundation’s granting program. The gift will directly support the Peter Hort Quality of Life Grants, which facilitate connections between cancer patients and their loved ones, providing emotional support and companionship throughout their treatment.

Pat Hearn and Colin de Land. Courtesy of The Pat Hearn and Colin de Land Cancer Foundation.

About us

The Rema Hort Mann Foundation was established on our deep belief in the healing powers of creativity and community. In our work, we’ve discovered meaningful kinship and connection between emerging artists and individuals battling cancer. We celebrate their shared spirit of bravery, resilience, and hope as a community, and we empower their individual journeys toward healing and artistic creativity.

The Rema Hort Mann Foundation was established on our deep belief in the healing powers of creativity and community. In our work, we’ve discovered meaningful kinship and connection between emerging artists and individuals battling cancer. We celebrate their shared spirit of bravery, resilience, and hope as a community, and we empower their individual journeys toward healing and artistic creativity.

Rema with her grandmother during treatment

Rema Hort Mann’s life exemplified her deep love of family, art, and community. Immersed in New York City’s vibrant art scene, she championed emerging visual artists who struggled to balance their passion with rejection, criticism, and financial constraints. Rema bravely battled cancer until her untimely passing at the age of 30. Throughout her fight, Rema’s family and community provided steadfast emotional support, ensuring her quality of life to the end.

In 1995, her family founded the Rema Hort Mann Foundation, offering vital support and resources to emerging artists and cancer patients when they need it most. For nearly three decades, her brother Peter successfully guided the foundation’s programs and initiatives. Regrettably, his endeavors were cut short by cancer, leading to his passing in 2022. Through our work, we strive to honor the legacy and vision of the Hort Mann family.

Michael and Susan Hort

Collect and Support

Your art purchase will directly contribute to our mission, offering you a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Proceeds support the Foundation’s core mission of providing funding, public programming, and exhibitions to emerging artists at pivotal moments in their careers. Additionally, your donations will directly fund the Peter Hort Quality of Life Grants, which provide vital emotional support and companionship to cancer patients during their treatment.

What we do

Peter Hort Quality of Life Grants

The Peter Hort Quality of Life Grant unites families affected by cancer. We strive to alleviate isolation experienced by patients during treatment by offering emotional support from loved ones as they navigate the challenges of their illness. Through our efforts, we empower patients to find solace and strength by fostering a community of healing and support. 


The foundation partners with social workers from leading hospitals in the NYC metropolitan area to identify candidates who are in most need of funding and support. Grants cover travel, lodging, child care, phone bills, and related expenses to help ensure a patient’s quality of life is nourished and protected. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for grants up to $2,500,based on the patient's direct needs.

Patient and Jamie Hort

Jamie Hort, David Biro, and Charlotte Meyer

David Biro and Peter Hort

Emerging Artist Grant

The Emerging Artist Grant celebrates burgeoning talents who are committed to pushing the boundaries of contemporary visual art. These artists are poised to make their mark but have yet to showcase their work in a solo exhibition. 


Annually, over 100 artists receive a nomination-only invitation from 50+ distinguished arts professionals. Following a competitive selection process, an independent jury grants 10 recipients $12,500 each. One artist earns a special recognition award of an additional $2,500 in honor of Peter Hort. In addition to funding, recipients are afforded special programming and networking opportunities for visibility and professional growth.

At their most critical juncture, our foundation has supported and empowered artists on their path toward recognition including Sanford Biggers, Christina Quarles, Mickalene Thomas, Abigail DeVille, Sarah Sze, and Njideka Akunyili Crosby.

  • "Receiving the grant has had a massive impact on my career. I would not be here if it weren’t for the fact that I was able to buy paint—cover my expenses during a time when I had no other options."

    Kehinde Wiley

  • “This grant provided me with both financial and community support during a pivotal time an artist faces directly after grad school…and provided me with the financial bridge I needed to create work that would be shown at studios later that year.”

    Christina Quarles

  • “When I received the grant…I was at a real crossroads in my career. We often think of awards as a monetary gain but we forget that it acknowledges and validates artists…It was a moment of saying, ‘we see you, M. We recognize your talent, we recognize your vision, and we believe in you.”

    Mickalene Thomas

  • “The grant was a moment of recognition and acknowledgement that my hard work was paying off. It was also instrumental in allowing me to take risks and explore materials and projects that I may not have done if I did not have that security.”

    Sanford Biggers

  • “The Rema Hort Mann Foundation has given support to emerging artists for decades and helped generations of powerful artists.”

    Sarah Sze

  • “I am very grateful to the RHMF for their invaluable early support of my practice and for modeling the important work of assisting young artists.”

    Njideka Akunyili Crosby

  • “This grant provided me with both financial and community support during a pivotal time an artist faces directly after grad school…and provided me with the financial bridge I needed to create work that would be shown at studios later that year.”

    Christina Quarles

  • “When I received the grant…I was at a real crossroads in my career. We often think of awards as a monetary gain but we forget that it acknowledges and validates artists…It was a moment of saying, ‘we see you, M. We recognize your talent, we recognize your vision, and we believe in you.”

    Mickalene Thomas

  • “The grant was a moment of recognition and acknowledgement that my hard work was paying off. It was also instrumental in allowing me to take risks and explore materials and projects that I may not have done if I did not have that security.”

    Sanford Biggers

  • “The Rema Hort Mann Foundation has given support to emerging artists for decades and helped generations of powerful artists.”

    Sarah Sze

  • “I am very grateful to the RHMF for their invaluable early support of my practice and for modeling the important work of assisting young artists.”

    Njideka Akunyili Crosby

Our Partners

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