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Best Grants for Visual Artists

Find grants for visual artists supporting exhibitions, residencies, public art, and career development.

674

Available grants

$19.7M

Total funding

$6K

Median grant

674 grants
$19.7M total
$6K median

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674 Results based on applied filters

Studio Glass Grant

Arizona Glass Alliance
Private
Arizona
Unspecified amount
The Studio Glass Grant, offered by the Arizona Glass Alliance, supports the creation and appreciation of studio art glass. This grant welcomes proposals year-round that align with the AGA's mission to promote education and outreach in the glass art community. Preference is given to Arizona-based applicants and AGA members. Recipients are encouraged to share their experiences through a talk within a year of receiving the grant, highlighting their accomplishments with the funding.
Visual Arts

NYSCA Support for Artists Grant (NY)

New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA)
State/Local Government
New York
US $10,000
The NYSCA Support for Artists Grant offers vital funding to artists in New York State, promoting the development of new work across various artistic disciplines. This grant is designed to enhance diverse artistic voices, encourage significant growth in individual artists, and strengthen collaborations with sponsoring organizations. Prequalification is mandatory for nonprofit applicants, ensuring a streamlined process for those seeking to elevate their creative endeavors. Artists are invited to apply through sponsoring organizations to receive support for their innovative projects.
Art & Culture Music Writing & Literature +7 more

Project Awards

Rasmuson Foundation
Private
Alaska
US $10,000
The Rasmuson Foundation offers Project Awards to support Alaska artists in various disciplines with grants of $10,000 for specific short-term projects. This initiative aims to help emerging, mid-career, and established artists reflect on their work, explore creativity, and develop their artistry. Applications are open until June 9, 2025, providing essential resources for individual artists and collaboratives alike. The program emphasizes professional development and promotion of artistic work through various channels.
Art & Culture Visual Arts Native American Culture & Heritage +10 more

Fellowship Award

Rasmuson Foundation
Private
Alaska
US $50,000
The Fellowship Award, offered by the Rasmuson Foundation, supports mid-career and established artists in Alaska with grants of up to $25,000. These awards enable artists to focus on their creative work for a year, providing resources for reflection and experimentation. Recipients also benefit from professional development and promotion of their work, enhancing their skills in marketing and finances. This initiative encourages collaboration among artists, fostering a vibrant artistic community in Alaska.
Artist Training & Development Art & Culture Music +10 more

AES Ohio Foundation: Power Grants

AES Ohio Foundation
Corporate
Auglaize County, Ohio, Brown County, Ohio +22 more
US $50,000 - US $100,000
The AES Ohio Foundation's Power Grants aim to create lasting community impact through innovative programs across its 24-county service area. With $822,000 allocated for 2024, these grants support initiatives addressing basic needs like food and housing, enhancing education, and fostering diversity and inclusion. The Foundation commits to at least two grants annually, prioritizing projects that demonstrate measurable outcomes. This approach aligns with their goal to uplift local communities and empower individuals to improve their lives.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Basic Human Needs Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness +10 more

Visual Arts and Music Mini-Grant

DuPage Foundation
Private
DuPage County, Illinois
US $500 - US $2,500
The Visual Arts and Music Mini-Grant from the JCS Arts, Health & Education Fund aims to enhance cultural engagement in DuPage County, Illinois. This grant supports arts programs that provide long-term benefits to the community. Applications are accepted until the funds are exhausted, with deadlines on March 14, April 30, June 30, August 31, and October 31. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities and government agencies.
Music Visual Arts Arts / Culture Access & Participation

Illuminations Grant for Black Trans Women Visual Artists

Queer Art
Private
American Samoa, Guam +4 more
US $10,000
The Illuminations Grant for Black Trans Women Visual Artists, a $10,000 annual grant, supports early-career Black trans women artists in the U.S. whose contributions to visual arts are often overlooked. Established in partnership with notable figures, this grant not only provides funding but also offers professional development resources. In its fifth year, it aims to address systemic barriers and enhance representation in the arts, with additional awards for finalists to further their artistic journeys.
Visual Arts

The Tom Woodward Memorial Visual Arts Scholarship

Central Alabama Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

The Tom Woodward Memorial Visual Arts Scholarship

The Tom Woodward Memorial Visual Arts Scholarship benefits students pursuing postgraduate studies at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, or trade school. Art is not a required major for eligible applicants. This scholarship is renewable.

Application Requirements:

  • High School Transcript, Essay, 3 Pieces of Artwork and References.
Education - Higher Education Visual Arts

Tom And Dot Hand Scholarship

Northern Piedmont Community Foundation
Private
Virginia
US $1,000

 About NPCF

The Northern Piedmont Community Foundation (NPCF) began in December 2000 when nine concerned citizens from Virginia’s Piedmont region were searching for solutions to the charitable needs in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock counties. With modest beginnings, our funds have grown to over $39 million in support of local charities, scholarships and community need in our northern Piedmont region.

NPCF manages a wide variety of funds established by local individuals, families, businesses, or charitable institutions. Through our investment strategies, the returns from these funds are put back into the community through grant cycles, and scholarships, along with the personal causes the fund holder holds dear. 

On the nonprofit side, the staff at NPCF is committed to building deep bonds with our region’s nonprofits, educating and supporting them in their health as businesses and their resilience in their missions of supporting our most vulnerable. 

We believe that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. By working on both sides of the equation — growing our citizens’ resources while maximizing local nonprofits’ use of those resources — NPCF is ensuring that each link in the chain is healthy, strong, and contributing to the wellness of the Northern Piedmont community. 

Scholarships

Northern Piedmont Community Foundation manages the scholarship application process for dozens of scholarships for students in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock counties (as well as a handful serving students from surrounding counties too). 

Tom And Dot Hand Scholarship (Universal Application)

This scholarship award was established to assist Culpeper and Eastern View High School students pursuing further education for Visual or Performing Arts at a public college in Virginia. One $1,000 scholarship may awarded. Applicants should demonstrate good community standing and possess a record that displays initiative and commitment to their chosen field of study.

Education - Higher Education Performing Arts Visual Arts +1 more

Lynne Goldsborough Yowell Scholarship

Northern Piedmont Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Lynne Goldsborough Yowell Scholarship, managed by the Northern Piedmont Community Foundation, supports students from Madison and Culpeper County public high schools. It is awarded to high school graduates or current college students pursuing an Arts Major, defined as visual arts, music, theater, or culinary arts. Emphasizing academic merit and financial need, this scholarship honors the legacy of Lynne Goldsborough Yowell, a dedicated community advocate.
Education - Higher Education Educational Access & Equity Art Education +4 more

Ignite Fund Grant

3 Arts Inc
Private
Cook County, Illinois, DuPage County, Illinois +4 more
US $10,000

Ignite Fund 

The Ignite Fund offers six $10,000 grants for Chicago-area artists and artist-led collectives to produce and present bold new projects rooted in the visual arts. We prioritize public-facing work that embraces accessibility, fosters community impact and/or participation, and responds to the issues shaping our social climate. In this spirit, The Ignite Fund shines a light on the vibrancy, creativity, and resilience of the Chicago arts ecosystem.

Visual Arts

Baide Family Scholarship

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Montana
Unspecified amount

Montana State University was founded February 16, 1893, as one of the nation's original land-grant colleges authorized by the landmark Morrill Act of 1862. Since then, MSU has been dedicated to the mission of education, research and outreach, providing access to life-changing higher education that has the potential to transform lives and communities.

College and Departmental Scholarships

Some of the colleges and departments at Montana State University offer scholarships to students. A limited number are available for incoming students. 

Baide Family Scholarship

Required Qualifications:

  • Pursuing a degree from the School of Art;
  • Undergraduate student;
  • Fourth (4th) year student or preparing for their thesis semester.

Preferred Qualification: Studying Metalsmithing

Scopes: Art, Arts and Architecture

Education - Higher Education Architecture Visual Arts

Robert E. Yoblonsky Student Leadership Scholarship

Montana State University
State/Local Government
Montana
Unspecified amount

Montana State University was founded February 16, 1893, as one of the nation's original land-grant colleges authorized by the landmark Morrill Act of 1862. Since then, MSU has been dedicated to the mission of education, research and outreach, providing access to life-changing higher education that has the potential to transform lives and communities.

College and Departmental Scholarships

Some of the colleges and departments at Montana State University offer scholarships to students. A limited number are available for incoming students. 

Robert E. Yoblonsky Student Leadership Scholarship

Required Qualifications:

  • Pursuing a degree from the College of Arts and Architecture
  • Participating in the College of Arts and Architecture Student Ambassador program
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Sophomore, junior or senior status

Scopes: Architecture, Art, Arts and Architecture, Film and Photography, Music

Architecture Education - Higher Education Visual Arts +3 more

Holland Friends of Art Scholarship

Community Foundation Of The Holland Zeeland Area
Private
United States
Unspecified amount

Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area seeks to ensure that our community thrives today, tomorrow, and forever by building our Community’s Endowment to support high impact charitable projects, helping donors achieve their charitable goals, and leading and partnering in community-level initiatives.

Scholarships

CFHZ awards over $1 million in scholarships each year for students to attend schools of higher education throughout the nation. Our scholarships are possible thanks to the generosity of donors who invest in our community’s future by furthering the education of others.

All Holland/Zeeland area individuals interested in post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for CFHZ scholarships.

The Foundation proudly administers over 100 scholarships, each with unique eligibility criteria that must be met before a candidate can be considered.

Holland Friends of Art Scholarship

  • Graduating senior from Black River, Holland Christian, Holland High School, West Ottawa, Zeeland East, Zeeland West, or the Careerline Tech Center
  • Enrolling in a 2 or 4-year degree program at an accredited post-secondary school (including vocational/technical school) within the United States
  • Financial need, a consideration (encouraged to submit the page of the FAFSA Submission Summary showing the Student Aid Index amount)
  • GPA of 2.5 or greater
  • Continuing studies in the visual arts either as an art major or art minor
  • Recommended by high school visual art teacher
  • Potentially renewable for one additional year
Education - Higher Education Vocational & Trade Education Visual Arts

Fugazzotto Scholarship Fund for Visual Arts Students

Grand Haven Area Community Foundation
Private
United States
Unspecified amount
The Fugazzotto Scholarship Fund for Visual Arts Students, established by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports Tri-Cities residents pursuing careers in visual arts. This scholarship honors Barbara Fugazzotto's legacy as an art educator, encouraging students to explore their creativity in drawing, painting, ceramics, and graphic design. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. The scholarship aims to nurture future artists who contribute to the cultural landscape.
Education - Higher Education Educational Access & Equity Art Education +1 more

The NAACP X Society Awards Scholarship

National Association For The Advancement Of Colored People
Private
United States
US $1,000 - US $5,000

The NAACP X Society Awards Scholarship

The NAACP x Society Awards Scholarship is one of many funding opportunities available to students through NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. We offer scholarships to outstanding and qualified students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Through the generosity of our donors, we advance efforts to ensure equity in educational opportunity that prepares students for success in school, work, and life.

Scholarship amount: $1,000 to $5,000

This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.

Performing Arts Theater Dance +9 more

Madison Chautauqua Scholarship for the Arts in Memory of Bob Fourhman

Community Foundation of Madison and Jefferson County
Private
United States
US $1,800

In 2025, the Community Foundation of Madison & Jefferson County awarded over $233,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors of the county’s public and private high schools. Nearly 50 different students earned money toward their college costs. Scholarships are available for a variety of applicants. Some are specific to schools, majors, need, or interests.

CFMJC scholarships may be used for tuition and related expenses like fees and required equipment at accredited colleges and universities. Room and board are not covered.

Madison Chautauqua Scholarship for the Arts in Memory of Bob Fourhman

Criteria evaluated:

  • Letter of recommendation and artwork samples

Required materials:

  • Letter of recommendation from a person knowledgeable about your talent and accomplishments in your art form; and
  • An uploaded sample of your work (maximum 3 photos or 1 short video/audio clip)

Scholarship amount:

  • $1,200 | 1 scholarship
Education - Higher Education Adult Education Career / College Preparation +3 more

Art League of Hilton Head Island Scholarship

Art League of Hilton Head Island, Inc
Association/Society
United States
US $2,000

Art League of Hilton Head Island

We are the community catalyst for the visual arts.

For over fifty years, the nonprofit Art League of Hilton Head has been the Lowcountry’s creative core for the visual arts with our innovative Gallery, teaching Academy and special community art events.

Art League sponsors satellite galleries, hosts the Gullah show and brings both traditional and cutting-edge works to our island with CraftHiltonHead, the Biennale National Juried Art Exhibition, special events, lectures, classes, workshops and so much more.

We award an annual scholarship to a local graduating High School senior to pursue a career in the visual arts in addition to sponsoring programs with local schools.

We partner with arts and cultural nonprofits and businesses to benefit residents, visitors and the artists who enrich our community.

Art League of Hilton Head Art Scholarship 

Since the year 2000, Art League of Hilton Head awards a $2000 scholarship to a graduating high school senior studying or living in Beaufort County, who has been accepted into an accredited art school or a college where he/she will be majoring in the visual arts. Only one scholarship will be awarded each year.

The successful applicant will be selected based on an interview, a review of a portfolio and completion of this application. 

Education - Higher Education Visual Arts

Administering Organization – Individual Artists Fellowship (Central Valley & Sierra)

California Arts Council
State/Local Government
Amador County, California, Calaveras County, California +12 more
US $5,000 - US $50,000

Background & Purpose

The California Arts Council (CAC) is a statewide agency committed to serving California artists, arts organizations, and communities of all sizes and needs. Guided by racial equity principles, the CAC continuously evaluates its grantmaking practices to ensure fair and inclusive funding opportunities that sustain a vibrant, safe, and resilient creative ecosystem across the state.

Through regionally based Administering Organizations (AOs), the Individual Artists Fellowship (IAF) program uplifts and celebrates California artists across all disciplines and traditions, highlights their excellence and acknowledges their leadership in shaping traditional and contemporary cultures. The program includes three fellowship tiers with a different award amount:

CAC Emerging Artist Fellows – $5,000

Emerging artists are those in the beginning stages of making their work public and engaging the larger community in their practice.

CAC Established Artist Fellows – $10,000

Artists in the Established tier regularly make their work public and engage the larger community in their practice.

CAC Legacy Artist Fellows – $50,000

Artists in the Legacy tier can point to a significant body of work, produced over a substantial period of time, that has engaged their communities and that has made significant social impact.

The CAC approved eight regional AOs for the fellowship in September 2025. Each of the AOs has information and  details regarding their Individual Artists Fellowship programs, including application deadlines. If you are an individual artist, apply to the statewide fellowship program through the Regional AO listed below that serves your county. Please note: Individual artists must live in the region they are applying to and may submit an application to only one region.

  • Bay Area (Kala Art Institute) - Counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma
  • Central Valley & Sierra (Kern Dance Alliance) - Counties: Amador, Calaveras, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne
  • Inland Empire & South Coast (ArtsOC) - Counties: Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange
  • Far South (Commission for Arts and Culture / Cultural Affairs) - Counties: Imperial, San Diego
  • Central Coast (Arts Council Santa Cruz County) - Counties: Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Ventura
  • Capital (Teatro Nagual) - Counties: Yolo, Solano, Sacramento, El Dorado, Alpine
  • Upstate (Nevada County Arts Council (NCArts)) - Counties: Del Norte, Siskiyou, Modoc, Humboldt, Trinity, Shasta, Lassen, Mendocino, Tehama, Butte, Plumas, Lake, Glenn, Sierra, Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Nevada, Placer
  • South (Los Angeles Performance Practice) - County: Los Angeles

Region 4: Central Valley & Eastern Sierra Administered by Kern Dance Alliance (KDA)

California Arts Council (CAC) Individual Artists Fellowship is a statewide initiative; however, the KDA guidelines are specifically designed for artists living and working in the Central Valley and Eastern Sierra Region

KDA is the only Administering Organization awarding fellowship grants to Region 4: Central Valley & Eastern Sierra

KDA IAF Region: Amador, Calaveras, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare and Tuolumne counties

Art & Culture Writing & Literature Performing Arts +4 more

Administering Organization – Individual Artists Fellowship (Inland Empire & South Coast)

California Arts Council
State/Local Government
Orange County, California, Riverside County, California +1 more
US $5,000 - US $50,000

Background & Purpose

The California Arts Council (CAC) is a statewide agency committed to serving California artists, arts organizations, and communities of all sizes and needs. Guided by racial equity principles, the CAC continuously evaluates its grantmaking practices to ensure fair and inclusive funding opportunities that sustain a vibrant, safe, and resilient creative ecosystem across the state.

Through regionally based Administering Organizations (AOs), the Individual Artists Fellowship (IAF) program uplifts and celebrates California artists across all disciplines and traditions, highlights their excellence and acknowledges their leadership in shaping traditional and contemporary cultures. The program includes three fellowship tiers with a different award amount:

CAC Emerging Artist Fellows – $5,000

Emerging artists are those in the beginning stages of making their work public and engaging the larger community in their practice.

CAC Established Artist Fellows – $10,000

Artists in the Established tier regularly make their work public and engage the larger community in their practice.

CAC Legacy Artist Fellows – $50,000

Artists in the Legacy tier can point to a significant body of work, produced over a substantial period of time, that has engaged their communities and that has made significant social impact.

The CAC approved eight regional AOs for the fellowship in September 2025. Each of the AOs has information and  details regarding their Individual Artists Fellowship programs, including application deadlines. If you are an individual artist, apply to the statewide fellowship program through the Regional AO listed below that serves your county. Please note: Individual artists must live in the region they are applying to and may submit an application to only one region.

  • Bay Area (Kala Art Institute) - Counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma
  • Central Valley & Sierra (Kern Dance Alliance) - Counties: Amador, Calaveras, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne
  • Inland Empire & South Coast (ArtsOC) - Counties: Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange
  • Far South (Commission for Arts and Culture / Cultural Affairs) - Counties: Imperial, San Diego
  • Central Coast (Arts Council Santa Cruz County) - Counties: Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Ventura
  • Capital (Teatro Nagual) - Counties: Yolo, Solano, Sacramento, El Dorado, Alpine
  • Upstate (Nevada County Arts Council (NCArts)) - Counties: Del Norte, Siskiyou, Modoc, Humboldt, Trinity, Shasta, Lassen, Mendocino, Tehama, Butte, Plumas, Lake, Glenn, Sierra, Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Nevada, Placer
  • South (Los Angeles Performance Practice) - County: Los Angeles

Region 7: Inland Empire & South Coast Administered by Arts Orange County (ArtsOC)

Arts Orange County has been engaged by the California Arts Council to administer the application and jurying process for the Region 7 Individual Artist Fellowship, which includes Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. 

Art & Culture Writing & Literature Performing Arts +4 more

Administering Organization – Individual Artists Fellowship (Far South)

California Arts Council
State/Local Government
Imperial County, California, San Diego County, California
US $5,000 - US $50,000

Background & Purpose

The California Arts Council (CAC) is a statewide agency committed to serving California artists, arts organizations, and communities of all sizes and needs. Guided by racial equity principles, the CAC continuously evaluates its grantmaking practices to ensure fair and inclusive funding opportunities that sustain a vibrant, safe, and resilient creative ecosystem across the state.

Through regionally based Administering Organizations (AOs), the Individual Artists Fellowship (IAF) program uplifts and celebrates California artists across all disciplines and traditions, highlights their excellence and acknowledges their leadership in shaping traditional and contemporary cultures. The program includes three fellowship tiers with a different award amount:

CAC Emerging Artist Fellows – $5,000

Emerging artists are those in the beginning stages of making their work public and engaging the larger community in their practice.

CAC Established Artist Fellows – $10,000

Artists in the Established tier regularly make their work public and engage the larger community in their practice.

CAC Legacy Artist Fellows – $50,000

Artists in the Legacy tier can point to a significant body of work, produced over a substantial period of time, that has engaged their communities and that has made significant social impact.

The CAC approved eight regional AOs for the fellowship in September 2025. Each of the AOs has information and  details regarding their Individual Artists Fellowship programs, including application deadlines. If you are an individual artist, apply to the statewide fellowship program through the Regional AO listed below that serves your county. Please note: Individual artists must live in the region they are applying to and may submit an application to only one region.

  • Bay Area (Kala Art Institute) - Counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma
  • Central Valley & Sierra (Kern Dance Alliance) - Counties: Amador, Calaveras, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne
  • Inland Empire & South Coast (ArtsOC) - Counties: Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange
  • Far South (Commission for Arts and Culture / Cultural Affairs) - Counties: Imperial, San Diego
  • Central Coast (Arts Council Santa Cruz County) - Counties: Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Ventura
  • Capital (Teatro Nagual) - Counties: Yolo, Solano, Sacramento, El Dorado, Alpine
  • Upstate (Nevada County Arts Council (NCArts)) - Counties: Del Norte, Siskiyou, Modoc, Humboldt, Trinity, Shasta, Lassen, Mendocino, Tehama, Butte, Plumas, Lake, Glenn, Sierra, Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Nevada, Placer
  • South (Los Angeles Performance Practice) - County: Los Angeles

Region 8: Far South Administered by Commission for Arts and Culture / Cultural Affairs, City of San Diego

The City of San Diego invites applications from eligible individual artists for the Individual Artist Fellowship (IAF), which provides unrestricted awards ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. The California Arts Council (CAC) has selected the City as an Administering Organization for this statewide initiative, supporting a two-year fellowship program for individual artists and culture bearers across all disciplines.

The Individual Artist Fellowship for Region 8 serves San Diego and Imperial Counties, an area spanning 9,008 square miles and home to 3.48 million residents. The program strengthens the regional arts workforce by investing directly in artists whose work contributes to the cultural vitality of their communities.

Art & Culture Writing & Literature Performing Arts +4 more

Administering Organization – Individual Artists Fellowship (Central Coast)

California Arts Council
State/Local Government
Monterey County, California, San Benito County, California +4 more
US $5,000 - US $50,000

Background & Purpose

The California Arts Council (CAC) is a statewide agency committed to serving California artists, arts organizations, and communities of all sizes and needs. Guided by racial equity principles, the CAC continuously evaluates its grantmaking practices to ensure fair and inclusive funding opportunities that sustain a vibrant, safe, and resilient creative ecosystem across the state.

Through regionally based Administering Organizations (AOs), the Individual Artists Fellowship (IAF) program uplifts and celebrates California artists across all disciplines and traditions, highlights their excellence and acknowledges their leadership in shaping traditional and contemporary cultures. The program includes three fellowship tiers with a different award amount:

CAC Emerging Artist Fellows – $5,000

Emerging artists are those in the beginning stages of making their work public and engaging the larger community in their practice.

CAC Established Artist Fellows – $10,000

Artists in the Established tier regularly make their work public and engage the larger community in their practice.

CAC Legacy Artist Fellows – $50,000

Artists in the Legacy tier can point to a significant body of work, produced over a substantial period of time, that has engaged their communities and that has made significant social impact.

The CAC approved eight regional AOs for the fellowship in September 2025. Each of the AOs has information and  details regarding their Individual Artists Fellowship programs, including application deadlines. If you are an individual artist, apply to the statewide fellowship program through the Regional AO listed below that serves your county. Please note: Individual artists must live in the region they are applying to and may submit an application to only one region.

  • Bay Area (Kala Art Institute) - Counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma
  • Central Valley & Sierra (Kern Dance Alliance) - Counties: Amador, Calaveras, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne
  • Inland Empire & South Coast (ArtsOC) - Counties: Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange
  • Far South (Commission for Arts and Culture / Cultural Affairs) - Counties: Imperial, San Diego
  • Central Coast (Arts Council Santa Cruz County) - Counties: Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Ventura
  • Capital (Teatro Nagual) - Counties: Yolo, Solano, Sacramento, El Dorado, Alpine
  • Upstate (Nevada County Arts Council (NCArts)) - Counties: Del Norte, Siskiyou, Modoc, Humboldt, Trinity, Shasta, Lassen, Mendocino, Tehama, Butte, Plumas, Lake, Glenn, Sierra, Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Nevada, Placer
  • South (Los Angeles Performance Practice) - County: Los Angeles

Region 5: Central Coast Administered by Arts Council Santa Cruz County

The City of San Diego invites applications from eligible individual artists for the Individual Artist Fellowship (IAF), which provides unrestricted awards ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. The California Arts Council (CAC) has selected the City as an Administering Organization for this statewide initiative, supporting a two-year fellowship program for individual artists and culture bearers across all disciplines.

The Individual Artist Fellowship for Region 8 serves San Diego and Imperial Counties, an area spanning 9,008 square miles and home to 3.48 million residents. The program strengthens the regional arts workforce by investing directly in artists whose work contributes to the cultural vitality of their communities.

Art & Culture Writing & Literature Performing Arts +4 more

Administering Organization – Individual Artists Fellowship (Capital)

California Arts Council
State/Local Government
Alpine County, California, El Dorado County, California +3 more
US $5,000 - US $50,000

Background & Purpose

The California Arts Council (CAC) is a statewide agency committed to serving California artists, arts organizations, and communities of all sizes and needs. Guided by racial equity principles, the CAC continuously evaluates its grantmaking practices to ensure fair and inclusive funding opportunities that sustain a vibrant, safe, and resilient creative ecosystem across the state.

Through regionally based Administering Organizations (AOs), the Individual Artists Fellowship (IAF) program uplifts and celebrates California artists across all disciplines and traditions, highlights their excellence and acknowledges their leadership in shaping traditional and contemporary cultures. The program includes three fellowship tiers with a different award amount:

CAC Emerging Artist Fellows – $5,000

Emerging artists are those in the beginning stages of making their work public and engaging the larger community in their practice.

CAC Established Artist Fellows – $10,000

Artists in the Established tier regularly make their work public and engage the larger community in their practice.

CAC Legacy Artist Fellows – $50,000

Artists in the Legacy tier can point to a significant body of work, produced over a substantial period of time, that has engaged their communities and that has made significant social impact.

The CAC approved eight regional AOs for the fellowship in September 2025. Each of the AOs has information and  details regarding their Individual Artists Fellowship programs, including application deadlines. If you are an individual artist, apply to the statewide fellowship program through the Regional AO listed below that serves your county. Please note: Individual artists must live in the region they are applying to and may submit an application to only one region.

  • Bay Area (Kala Art Institute) - Counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma
  • Central Valley & Sierra (Kern Dance Alliance) - Counties: Amador, Calaveras, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne
  • Inland Empire & South Coast (ArtsOC) - Counties: Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange
  • Far South (Commission for Arts and Culture / Cultural Affairs) - Counties: Imperial, San Diego
  • Central Coast (Arts Council Santa Cruz County) - Counties: Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Ventura
  • Capital (Teatro Nagual) - Counties: Yolo, Solano, Sacramento, El Dorado, Alpine
  • Upstate (Nevada County Arts Council (NCArts)) - Counties: Del Norte, Siskiyou, Modoc, Humboldt, Trinity, Shasta, Lassen, Mendocino, Tehama, Butte, Plumas, Lake, Glenn, Sierra, Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Nevada, Placer
  • South (Los Angeles Performance Practice) - County: Los Angeles

Region 2: Capital Administered by Teatro Nagual

The Capital Region Individual Artist Fellowship (IAF), administered by Teatro Nagual, in partnership with the California Arts Council, celebrate and support artists across disciplines who are shaping culture in the counties of Alpine, El Dorado, Sacramento, Solano and Yolo. This program provides unrestricted funding to individual artists at key moments in their careers, empowering them to deepen their practice, expand their impact, and continue contributing to their communities. 

Art & Culture Writing & Literature Performing Arts +4 more

Administering Organization – Individual Artists Fellowship (Upstate)

California Arts Council
State/Local Government
Butte County, California, Colusa County, California +17 more
US $5,000 - US $50,000

Background & Purpose

The California Arts Council (CAC) is a statewide agency committed to serving California artists, arts organizations, and communities of all sizes and needs. Guided by racial equity principles, the CAC continuously evaluates its grantmaking practices to ensure fair and inclusive funding opportunities that sustain a vibrant, safe, and resilient creative ecosystem across the state.

Through regionally based Administering Organizations (AOs), the Individual Artists Fellowship (IAF) program uplifts and celebrates California artists across all disciplines and traditions, highlights their excellence and acknowledges their leadership in shaping traditional and contemporary cultures. The program includes three fellowship tiers with a different award amount:

CAC Emerging Artist Fellows – $5,000

Emerging artists are those in the beginning stages of making their work public and engaging the larger community in their practice.

CAC Established Artist Fellows – $10,000

Artists in the Established tier regularly make their work public and engage the larger community in their practice.

CAC Legacy Artist Fellows – $50,000

Artists in the Legacy tier can point to a significant body of work, produced over a substantial period of time, that has engaged their communities and that has made significant social impact.

The CAC approved eight regional AOs for the fellowship in September 2025. Each of the AOs has information and  details regarding their Individual Artists Fellowship programs, including application deadlines. If you are an individual artist, apply to the statewide fellowship program through the Regional AO listed below that serves your county. Please note: Individual artists must live in the region they are applying to and may submit an application to only one region.

  • Bay Area (Kala Art Institute) - Counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma
  • Central Valley & Sierra (Kern Dance Alliance) - Counties: Amador, Calaveras, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne
  • Inland Empire & South Coast (ArtsOC) - Counties: Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange
  • Far South (Commission for Arts and Culture / Cultural Affairs) - Counties: Imperial, San Diego
  • Central Coast (Arts Council Santa Cruz County) - Counties: Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Ventura
  • Capital (Teatro Nagual) - Counties: Yolo, Solano, Sacramento, El Dorado, Alpine
  • Upstate (Nevada County Arts Council (NCArts)) - Counties: Del Norte, Siskiyou, Modoc, Humboldt, Trinity, Shasta, Lassen, Mendocino, Tehama, Butte, Plumas, Lake, Glenn, Sierra, Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Nevada, Placer
  • South (Los Angeles Performance Practice) - County: Los Angeles

Region 1: Upstate Administered by the Nevada County Arts Council (NCArts)

In partnership with California Arts Council, Nevada County Arts & Culture is honored to serve as the Administering Organization for the Upstate Individual Artists Fellowship. The California Arts Council (CAC) has selected Nevada County Arts & Culture to design and implement a fellowship program that supports individual artists and culture bearers across all disciplines. The Upstate Individual Artists Fellowship will provide unrestricted funding in support of the fellows’ artistic practice. 

Art & Culture Writing & Literature Performing Arts +4 more

Administering Organization – Individual Artists Fellowship (South - Los Angeles County)

California Arts Council
State/Local Government
Los Angeles County, California
US $5,000 - US $50,000

Background & Purpose

The California Arts Council (CAC) is a statewide agency committed to serving California artists, arts organizations, and communities of all sizes and needs. Guided by racial equity principles, the CAC continuously evaluates its grantmaking practices to ensure fair and inclusive funding opportunities that sustain a vibrant, safe, and resilient creative ecosystem across the state.

Through regionally based Administering Organizations (AOs), the Individual Artists Fellowship (IAF) program uplifts and celebrates California artists across all disciplines and traditions, highlights their excellence and acknowledges their leadership in shaping traditional and contemporary cultures. The program includes three fellowship tiers with a different award amount:

CAC Emerging Artist Fellows – $5,000

Emerging artists are those in the beginning stages of making their work public and engaging the larger community in their practice.

CAC Established Artist Fellows – $10,000

Artists in the Established tier regularly make their work public and engage the larger community in their practice.

CAC Legacy Artist Fellows – $50,000

Artists in the Legacy tier can point to a significant body of work, produced over a substantial period of time, that has engaged their communities and that has made significant social impact.

The CAC approved eight regional AOs for the fellowship in September 2025. Each of the AOs has information and  details regarding their Individual Artists Fellowship programs, including application deadlines. If you are an individual artist, apply to the statewide fellowship program through the Regional AO listed below that serves your county. Please note: Individual artists must live in the region they are applying to and may submit an application to only one region.

  • Bay Area (Kala Art Institute) - Counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma
  • Central Valley & Sierra (Kern Dance Alliance) - Counties: Amador, Calaveras, Fresno, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tulare, Tuolumne
  • Inland Empire & South Coast (ArtsOC) - Counties: Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange
  • Far South (Commission for Arts and Culture / Cultural Affairs) - Counties: Imperial, San Diego
  • Central Coast (Arts Council Santa Cruz County) - Counties: Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Ventura
  • Capital (Teatro Nagual) - Counties: Yolo, Solano, Sacramento, El Dorado, Alpine
  • Upstate (Nevada County Arts Council (NCArts)) - Counties: Del Norte, Siskiyou, Modoc, Humboldt, Trinity, Shasta, Lassen, Mendocino, Tehama, Butte, Plumas, Lake, Glenn, Sierra, Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Nevada, Placer
  • South (Los Angeles Performance Practice) - County: Los Angeles

Region 6: South Administered by Los Angeles Performance Practice (Los Angeles County)

In partnership with California Arts Council (CAC), Los Angeles Performance Practice (LAPP) is thrilled to serve as the Administering Organization for the Individual Artist Fellowships in Los Angeles County.

Art & Culture Writing & Literature Performing Arts +4 more

BCA: Open Call For Curators

Bronx Council on the Arts
Private
New York County, New York
Up to US $2,500

About The Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) 

Founded by visionary community leaders in 1962, the Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) is a pioneer in advancing cultural equity in the Bronx. From our early beginnings as a presenter of affordable arts programming in select Bronx neighborhoods, we have grown into a cultural hub that serves the entire creative ecosystem of the borough. Our programs serve artists, the public, and the field at large by building connections, providing resources, and advocating for equitable practices. Then as now, we focus on supporting the work of underrepresented groups – especially artists of color, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Through this lens we offer affordable programs for seniors and youth and provide direct services to over 1,500 artists and 250 community-based arts groups each year. 

About The Longwood Arts Project 

Founded in 1981, the Longwood Arts Project is a flagship program of the Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA). It was one of the first alternative gallery spaces in the Bronx and to this day it maintains its pioneering focus on artists whose traditions and cultural practices are underrepresented by mainstream venues. The Longwood Arts Project derives its name from its original location at PS39 on Longwood Avenue. From 2003 to 2023, the Longwood Arts Project relocated to the campus of Hostos Community College. Since September 2024 the Longwood Arts Project operates at BCA headquarters on East Tremont Avenue in the Bronx and at external venues. 

The Longwood Arts Project predominantly showcases artists of color, women and LGBTQ+ artists. Its exhibitions explore Bronx history, intersectional Bronx cultures, and social justice issues facing our communities. The Longwood Arts Project also offers programs for youth and adults that encourage dialogue and explore exhibition themes in greater depth. 

2027 Open Call For Curators

The Bronx Council on the Arts (BCA) invites independent curators, artists, and arts professionals to submit exhibition proposals for the Longwood Arts Project. We welcome bold, innovative, and thoughtfully conceived exhibitions that engage with personal, social, cultural, political, historical, or experimental subjects and reflect a clear curatorial vision.

All themes are welcome. Proposals will be evaluated based on conceptual clarity, artist selection, feasibility, and meaningful engagement with Bronx communities.

Role of the Curator

  • Independent curators, artists, and arts professionals residing in New York City are eligible to apply.
  • Selected curators will be responsible for coordinating with participating artists, sourcing exhibition materials, and writing all exhibition text.
  • Curators must be present during installation, deinstallation, and the exhibition opening. If they are unable to attend, they must designate a qualified representative.
  • We seek curators who push boundaries and demonstrate familiarity with Bronx artists and communities.

Honoraria & Support

  • The curator will receive a $2,500 honorarium for curating and organizing the exhibition, including coordinating with participating artists.
  • Each participating artist will receive a $300 honorarium.
  • The Longwood Arts Project covers the cost of artwork insurance and professional art handling.
  • A BCA staff member will support the curator with exhibition logistics, including artist contracts, coordination with art handlers, and promotional activities.
  • BCA is not responsible for shipping artworks to or from the exhibition venue and travel stipends will not be provided.  

Media Arts Visual Arts Arts / Culture Access & Participation

Columbus Matrix Foundation Scholarship

The Columbus Foundation
Private
United States
Up to US $10,000

Columbus Matrix Foundation Scholarship

Since the early days of print journalism, The Association for Women in Communications has evolved to become the overarching professional organization to unite communicators across a vast spectrum of disciplines-from print and broadcast journalism, to graphic design, photography, public relations, advertising, marketing, new media, and much more.

Award Amount:

  • Up to four scholarships of $10,000 payable over four years at $2,500 per academic year.
Journalism Visual Arts Business Education +1 more

Grants for Visual Artists Highlights

Grants for visual artists provide funding to support creative projects, exhibitions, and professional development. The following grants help artists gain resources, promote their work, and make a lasting impact on cultural and artistic communities.


Search Instrumentl's Visual Artists Grants Database


Explore 136 funding opportunities for visual artists, with $8.5M in resources. Instrumentl helps artists and organizations navigate funding options with deadline notifications, refined search tools, and funder insights to foster creative growth.

Last updated: October 5, 2026. Next update: November 1, 2026.

Grant Insights : Grants for Visual Artists

Grant Availability

How common are grants in this category?

Common — grants in this category appear regularly across funding sources.

100+ Grants for Visual Artists grants for nonprofits in the United States, from private foundations to corporations seeking to fund grants for nonprofits.

25 Grants for Visual Artists over $25K in average grant size

17 Grants for Visual Artists over $50K in average grant size

38 Grants for Visual Artists supporting general operating expenses

100+ Grants for Visual Artists supporting programs / projects

600+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Visual Arts

25 Grants on Instrumentl focused on Middle Eastern / North African Culture & Heritage

Grant Deadline Distribution

Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for grants for Visual Artists?

Most grants are due in the first quarter.

Q1
28.9%
Q2
26.0%
Q3
27.3%
Q4
17.7%

Typical Funding Amounts

What's the typical grant amount funded for Grants for Visual Artists?

Grants are most commonly $8,400.

$250 $250 Min.
$8,400 $8.4 K Median
$81,463 $81.5 K Average
$5,400,000 $5.4 M Max.

Frequently asked questions

Major funders of visual artist grants that contribute to the $2.7M in funding available include agenies such as the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the Pollock-Krasner Foundation, the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, and state arts councils.

Grants for visual artists are available to individual artists, nonprofit arts organizations, museums, and visual arts collectives. These grants provide funding for creative projects, exhibitions, and professional development, helping artists access resources, showcase their work, and make a lasting impact on cultural and artistic communities. Many funders prioritize projects that foster artistic excellence, expand public access to art, and support emerging artists.

Based on Instrumentl’s live grant database for visual artists, grant deadlines are most common in Q1, accounting for 28.9% of all submission dates. The slowest period for new grant opportunities in this category falls in Q4, making it a less competitive time for preparation and strategic planning.

Visual artist grants support projects, exhibitions, artist residencies, and arts education programs. These grants encourage innovation, leadership, and the exploration of art’s cultural impact on society. Funders seek to foster creativity, provide financial support to artists, and enhance cultural engagement within communities.

Funding for grants for visual artists grants varies widely, with award amounts ranging from a minimum of $250 to a maximum of $5,400,000. Based on Instrumentl’s data, the median grant amount for this category is $8,400, while the average grant awarded is $81,463. Understanding these funding trends can help nonprofits set realistic expectations when applying.

To improve their success rate, artists and art organizations that are interested in virtual artist grants should consider the following in their proposals:

  • Present a clear artistic vision – Clearly state the artistic purpose of the project or program and explain the creative goals and the type of work you aim to produce or support (e.g., visual arts, mixed media, public installations). It is important to communicate a strong creative identity while showing how the artistic work will engage and inspire the intended audience.
  • Demonstrate community engagement – Explain how local residents, artists, or organizations will participate in the creation, presentation, or promotion of the project. Consider mentioning any collaborations with schools, community centers, or local businesses, and explain how these partnerships will increase the project’s reach and impact.
  • Provide a compelling portfolio of past work – Include projects that align closely with the goals and scope of the grant you are applying for. Include professional photographs, videos, or digital files that clearly capture the quality and detail of the work, and organize the images or files in a clean, consistent format. The goal is to present a visually engaging, well-organized, and outcome-focused portfolio that highlights both the artistic quality and community impact of the work.

For additional guidance, explore our step-by-step guide to crafting compelling grant proposals.

Instrumentl simplifies the grant application process by offering an intuitive platform that helps artists and art organizations discover relevant funding opportunities, track deadlines, and analyze funder-giving patterns. The platform's automated alerts ensure users never miss a deadline, while detailed funder insights help organizations tailor their applications to align with grantor priorities. See how Phoenix Children's Foundation saves three hours per week on grant prospecting with Instrumentl.