Project Grants

The Project Grant is meant to support artists by helping move an idea/project/or body of work past the finish line and support an artists’ growth, experimentation, and ultimately their creative career. While the Accelerator Grant offers quick turnaround for immediate and broad needs of artists, the Project Grant is tied to the creation AND completion of a specific work of art. Applicants must have a good idea of how and when their work will be completed and be able to submit documentation of their finished work within the granting period. 

-Artists who have already received an Accelerator Grant(s) should feel comfortable applying for this opportunity.  

-Artists with an interest in growing their grantwriting skills or building their portfolios up to prepare for larger dollar grant requests or a Merit Award are encouraged to apply for a Project Grant.

Artists submitting competitive applications will be able to articulate their goals for a specific project’s public presentation and will have a clear and achievable timeline for project completion. If awarded, all funds MUST be expended and creative projects MUST be completed by May 1, 2027.

For the purposes of this program, applicants may identify as a Mid-career artist if one of the following applies: 

Artist has already established a sizable audience, a consistent body of work, and defining style over a period of a number of years

Artist has an ongoing record that could include: Solo and group exhibitions, performances, gallery representation, honors/awards, residencies and fellowships, reviews by art critics, grants, or publications, etc. 

Artist has 10-20 years of experience as a working artist regardless of age or education.

For the purposes of this program, applicants may identify as an Established artist if one of the following applies: 

Artist is widely recognized (regionally, nationally, or internationally) in the art world regardless of age or years of experience. 

Artist has created an extensive body of independent work. 

Artist has 20+ years of experience as a working artist regardless of age or education.

Through artist surveys, listening sessions, and conversations with applicants, we saw a need for a broader range of funding opportunities that supported more artists at a higher dollar amount. Artists were requesting support for specific projects and they wanted to dream big, so the Project Grant was created!

Yes! Artists with upcoming exhibitions may request framing support totaling no more than 50% of the request.

Yes! You may pay other artists to help you with your project such as illustrators, musicians, copywriters, copy editors, fabricators, etc.

Producers, commercial artists, creative directors, art organizers, or those providing logistical support to other artists are not eligible for this opportunity. However, applicants may include paying producers under the Project Support category. 

Artists are limited to one Project Grant every three calendar years, i.e. artists who received funding in 2026 will not be eligible to apply again until 2029.

-Artists who receive a Project Grant in 2025 must wait until 2028 to apply for an Accelerator Grant. 

-Artists who received an Accelerator in 2025 are eligible to apply for a 2026 Project Grant. 

-2025 Merit Grant recipients must wait until 2027 to apply for a Project Grant.

Awardees must spend funds and complete project by May 1, 2027. If your funding cannot be spent or project completed within that time frame, please consider applying to a future round.

Research the actual prices of items or services included in your budget. Panelists like to see detailed and itemized lists that address why support is needed and how it supports your creative practice or experimentation. Double-check the guidelines to make sure you are not requesting funds for ineligible expenses like travel, lodging, or rent. Requests MUST be directly related to your practice.

At least 50% of your request should be directly related to art-making.

Try to make your budget as detailed and comprehensive as possible.

For example:

1. If you are paying someone—how much are you paying them per hour and for how many hours?

2. If you are purchasing frames for your work—how many will you buy?

3. If you have disparate items in the same budget line—break them apart. Such as: a computer, canvases, and frames should all be in their own expense line and not grouped together.

The Grant Panelists who review your application are going examine your budget to understand how you plan to spend the grant funding. You want to make it as easy to understand as possible.

Stronger applications typically include multiple work samples that demonstrate a diverse range of your creative work.

Yes! You can edit your application before the deadline on Sunday, April 12 at 11:59 pm.

To do this—log into your account—go to the APPLY tab at the top of the page—scroll down to MY APPLICATIONS—click on the 3 vertical dots next to your application—and select EDIT.

We recommend that even after you submit an application that you review it before the deadline.

Review Checklist:

1. Verify that all provided links are functional.

2. Ensure there are no Ineligible Expenses—you can find them on in the 2026 Project Grant Guidelines—link here.

3. Re-read your application. You may even consider asking a friend or family member proofread your application to catch anything you might have missed.

Applications will be reviewed by a Grant Panel composed of an Arts Commission board member and representatives from the performing, literary, and visual arts communities. Arts Commission staff do NOT make funding recommendations or score applications.

Scale of 0-3: 0. Incomplete, 1. Needs Improvement, 2. Acceptable, or 3. Exemplary. 

Dedication to Artistic Practice

Creative Merit

Impact on Artist’s Career

Project Feasibility

Public Presence