How to get funding for your next art project: apply for grants, fellowships and artist residencies.
This article highlights some of the grants available for national and international applicants. Check your local state or regional arts council to see if you qualify for public and private funding. Many municipalities have a percentage for the arts programs, arts matching grants and other public money available for visual artists.
Consider your eligibility requirements. Some grants have specific requirements, such as being a resident of a certain state, city or country or having a certain level of experience.
Before applying, read the application carefully. Make sure you understand all of the requirements and deadlines before you submit your application.
National Endowment for the Arts
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is proud to support the nation’s arts sector with grant opportunities so that together we can help everyone live more artful lives.
Oprah’s Harpo Foundation
Harpo Foundation offers grants for under recognized visual artists over the age of 21, up to $10,000.
Gottlieb Foundation
The Foundation encourages artists who have dedicated their lives to developing their art, regardless of their level of commercial success. Grants are available only to individual painters, sculptors, and printmakers who have worked in a mature phase of art for 20 years or more.
A second grant is available for artists who have been working for more than 10 years.
ADOLPH & ESTHER GOTTLIEB EMERGENCY GRANT
Creative Capital
Creative Capital provides grants up to $50,000 to individual artists to support the creation of groundbreaking new projects. (Co funded by Andy Warhol Foundation)
Harvard University | Radcliffe Fellowship
The Fellowship Program annually selects and supports artists, scholars, and practitioners who bring both a record of achievement and exceptional promise to the Institute. Open to US and international applicants.
the Field
Mellon Foundation
We make grants to actively unlock the power in the arts and humanities that helps connect us all.
Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation
Mid Atlantic Arts’ grant programs for artists allow artists to explore and create, provide touring engagements regionally and internationally, help to build audiences, and provide support and services to assist in career development. Open to US and international applicants.
Any Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts
The Warhol Foundation awards over 100 grants annually to artists, art organizations, and curators throughout the United States.
Grant application deadlines vary and are typically 6-12 months before the official start date. Long term grants have several qualifying rounds and therefore take several months to review applications and make final selections. Carefully read the application requirements to avoid being disqualified.
Tips for applying to grants
- Have professionally taken photographs of your artwork
- Select 3-5 of your best pieces for submission
- Prepare your artist statement, bio and CV
- Include your contact information
- Link to your online portfolio on your artist website
