Former Artists Criticized Tom of Finland Foundation
Forty-one former residents issued an open letter regarding the sudden cancellation of the foundation's residency program.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in LGBTQand
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Former artist residents have released an open letter to the Tom of Finland Foundation board. They expressed concern over the abrupt discontinuation of the residency program and the layoff of staff at the Echo Park headquarters.
Why it matters
The letter highlights tensions regarding organizational transparency and the loss of support for creators. It specifically addresses the interruption of the program without prior communication to those affected.
The Tom of Finland Foundation was established in 1984 and operated the residency program starting in 2011. Nearly the entire staff at the Los Angeles site was laid off in June 2026.
The players
Tom of Finland Foundation
This Los Angeles-based organization has served as a cultural hub for four decades and is headquartered in an Echo Park craftsman home.
The details
The administration discontinued the residency program without providing notice to residents, leading to the collective action by those who previously utilized the space. This shift ends a program that had been a core feature of the organization for 15 years.
Timeline
1984: The Tom of Finland Foundation was established.
2011: The foundation launched its artist residency program.
June 2026: Nearly the entire staff of the House was laid off.
September 28, 2026: Former residents released an open letter.
Culture Shift
The foundation's actions follow a pattern of nonprofit instability where established legacy programs are terminated during administrative shifts. This highlights the vulnerability of independent arts organizations that rely on consistent leadership to maintain multi-decade community projects.
The sudden closure of this residency program removes a significant creative resource for artists living in or visiting Los Angeles. Local community members and stakeholders now face uncertainty regarding the future availability of the historic Echo Park property.
The takeaway
Open letters like this often mark a critical turning point in how non-profits handle internal governance and transparency. Supporters should monitor board announcements to see if the foundation plans to replace the residency with new community initiatives.
Further reading
Learn more about the local landscape at LGBTQand.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hyperallergic.
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