Susan and Michael Hort began collecting in 1985 and quickly amassed one of the most important contemporary art collections of the past 50 years, with a focus on “collecting in depth and supporting young artists”. To illustrate, they bought the first painting John Currin ever sold, the first 3 Adrian Ghenie works sold and many others. Their art is loaned to museums around the world: 12 works by Nicole Eisenman from their collection were recently on loan to Whitechapel Gallery, London; Museum Brandhorst, Münich; and Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago, as part of the artist’s traveling retrospective. 7 of their works by Katherine Bradford are currently on view in Europe.

In the course of the year, thousands of art professionals visit their collection, in addition to many museum groups.

In 1995 the Hort family and friends of Rema started the Rema Hort Mann Foundation, in honor of their daughter Rema who died of cancer. The foundation has two grant programs. Throughout the year, the Peter Hort Quality of Life Cancer Grant, in honor of their son Peter who died in 2022, brings family members and loved ones together in order to provide much needed support while a patient is undergoing treatment so they are not alone.

The Emerging Artist Award reflects the Foundation’s commitment to fostering emerging visual artists who demonstrate profound dedication to their creative practices. To date, the Foundation has awarded over $9,000,000.