Opportunities for Artists

Applying for an artist grant can be an exciting, right-of-passage opportunity. After all, this is how many artists are able to pursue their creative projects and make them a reality. And if you’re an established artist or arts organization, it’s likely that applying for grants is already a necessary part of your work. Grants provide vital financial support for individual artists and organizations worldwide. More than that, grants can also nurture your creativity in new ways, helping you bring something new and unique to the art world! 

This article gives an overview of what grants are, how artists can find them, and tips on applying for them. 

What are Grants?

Grants are sums of money awarded by nonprofits, personal and corporate philanthropies, and institutions like museums and universities to applicants to support their work. For artists, this means that grants can help them get the supplies they need for their projects, rent a studio, attend a residency, and more. Grants can be awarded to individuals, groups, or organizations.

To receive grant funding, you must apply and then be selected by the judging committee. Grants can be for small amounts of money or large sums. They can be for specific projects or general operations. Grants might be for a set amount of money and a set number of applicants, or they could be portions of a larger overall grant budget. All of this depends on the institution or organization that is offering the grant. 

Related: TheArtList’s Guide to Creative Opportunities

The History of Artist Grants

The practice of artists receiving financial support from patrons has a long and rich history, with some of the world’s most famous pieces of art being created as a result. In Florence during the late 15th century, members of the powerful Medici family were among the greatest patrons, proudly displaying their vast art collections to gain prestige and recognition. 

As art forms grew over the centuries, so did institutions devoted to supporting them — with government funding, corporate sponsorships, and private philanthropy beginning to emerge to provide financial assistance for projects of all kinds.

These days, artist grants come in many different forms and can be administered by various organizations ranging from governmental bodies to local arts councils. The money allows artists to pursue innovative new ideas or take existing works further, leading to some of the most memorable cultural achievements in modern history. 

Who Funds Grants for Artists?

Artists can receive grants from a variety of different institutions. Nonprofits, museums, universities, family-run philanthropies, and corporate philanthropies are some institutions that typically provide grants to artists. 

Different kinds of institutions will have additional requirements for any grant application. For example, a museum or university grant might require applicants to have a community education aspect to their work. A nonprofit might require that a grant recipient’s work fit in with their broader mission, whatever that may be.

When considering which grants to apply to and who you want to build partnerships with, make sure to know your values before you fundraise. 

How Do I Get a Grant as An Artist? 

Grants are a great way to get your creative projects off the ground. To get a grant as an artist, you have to find the right grants for you, apply for them, and then win them. It can take a lot of time to research and apply for grants and talk about your art clearly and compellingly. We’ve put together ten questions that will help you describe the unique characteristics of your artwork. 

Applying for Artist Grants

Before you start applying for a grant or scholarship, you must understand what kind of grant you are looking for and the funds available. Always carefully read the eligibility requirements, paying particular attention to any imposed restrictions. For example, most grants will ask you to complete a budget proposal in which you break down how much money you need and how you plan on using it. 

When deciding how best to use grant money, there are a few key areas that most programs tend to focus on. Materials and supplies needed for your project; studio rental or purchase; equipment rental or purchase; marketing and promotional expenses related to research or presenting work; living expenses while working on a creative project; salaries for collaborators on a creative project; and travel expenses related to research or presenting your work are all good uses of grant money allotted by many programs.

4 Tips for Successfully Applying to Artist Grants 

In addition to understanding what kinds of grants might be available and what your eligible expenditures will be, there are also various strategies that artists have employed when submitting their proposals that have successfully acquired funding. Here are some tips on successful applications:

1. Research the Institution Offering the Grant

Thoroughly research the institution offering the grant so that your application speaks directly to their priorities and interests. Tailoring your proposal towards their specific goals to increase your chances of being awarded the funds is essential. 

2. Focus On Your Project’s Impact

Provide details about why your project matters and how it could spark positive change in the community or industry if funded. Explain why it is uniquely positioned compared to similar projects to make yourself stand out amongst other applicants.

3. Present A Concrete Plan

Ensure that all aspects of your application are solid, from outlining specific tasks required during each phase of production/research, gathering peer reviews/testimonials from potential collaborators, etc., that indicate you have taken into consideration every detail when developing your proposal plan.

4. Make Use Of Early Deadlines 

Some grants may offer early bird deadlines where those who meet them first get priority over later entries — look into opportunities like this as they could give your application an advantage!

TheArtlist.com is the leading online resource for visual artists and photographers looking for income and exhibition opportunities. Our online art and photo call submissions database is updated daily with high-quality art and photography calls from around the world. With the ability to search by topics like “grants,” you’ll find numerous listings that could lead to fulfilling opportunities that will help bring your artistic vision to life. 

Artists and photographers: Register for free here and begin searching for income and exhibition opportunities, including grants, residencies, and more.