Robert Rauschenberg Foundation |

1925–2008

A native Texan, Robert Rauschenberg served in the U.S. Navy before studying art at the Kansas City Art Institute, Academie Julian in Paris, and Black Mountain College in North Carolina. In 1949 he moved to New York City and challenged the status quo with his Combines. Rauschenberg continued to break the mold throughout his career.
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Photo: Shunk-Kender © J. Paul Getty Trust

Oral History

The Robert Rauschenberg Oral History Project, undertaken in collaboration with INCITE/Columbia Center for Oral History Research, is a collection of firsthand accounts, as told by the artist's family, friends, and many collaborators. To date, we have released thirty-three oral histories to the public.
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Rauschenberg and Julie Martin, Captiva, Florida, 1978. Photo: Attributed to Billy Klüver

Open Call: 2019 Archives Research Residency

We are excited to announce an open call for applications for the 2019 Archives Research Residency. Applications will be open from September 17 to November 2, 2018.

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Rauschenberg at the Miami Herald, 1979. Photo: Attributed to John Doman

Highlights

Rauschenberg was known for his innovative approach and his experimental use of unconventional art materials. He moved seamlessly between painting, drawing, printmaking, performance, photography, sculpture, and installation, developing an artistic practice that defies categorization.

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Triatholon (Scenario), 2005

COLLECTIONS

The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation Archives contain the most comprehensive body of information on the artist’s life and career. This rich resource includes the artist’s personal writings, sketches, correspondence, and audiovisual material, as well as documentary photographs and records from his collaborators.
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Rauschenberg's prop list for his performance, Spring Training, 1965

Programs

The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation grants program aspires to a vibrant, equitable, and sustainable world through the power of
creative problem solving.

Read about our grant programs >

Still from 96 Acres, Artist as Activist Fellow Maria Gaspar’s project in Cook County jail, 2012-16. Photo credit: Maria Gaspar.

CAPTIVA LEGACY

Established in 2012, our artist residency program losers artistic experimentation, collaboration, and development in the very place where Rauschenberg lived and worked for nearly 40 years on Captiva Island, Florida.

Learn more about the Residency and Rauschenberg's Captiva >

William Johnston photographs Eiko Otake as she performs in front of the Fish House. (photo by Mark Poucher)

VISION AND MISSION

The Robert Rauschenberg Foundation was founded by the artist in 1990, and transitioned to its current mission in 2010 – to foster the artistic and philanthropic legacy of Robert Rauschenberg. Through scholarship, grants, and a residency program, the Foundation furthers Rauschenberg's belief that art can change the world.

A group gathers in the Chapel at Rauschenberg's former home and studio to discuss art and activism

Rauschenberg