Creation Grants

The Creation Grants program, administered by the Vermont Arts Council, supports individual Vermont artists and artist groups in developing and producing new creative work. The grant’s primary objective is to offer direct financial support that enables artists to dedicate time, access materials, and secure necessary spaces or services essential to the creative process. The program is funded by the Vermont Community Foundation’s Arts Endowment Fund and individual donors, reinforcing a commitment to advancing the arts across disciplines throughout Vermont. This highly competitive opportunity is evaluated by a panel of practicing artists and arts professionals who assess applications on artistic excellence (60%), project management (15%), and impact (25%). Applications are expected to demonstrate strong artistic merit, defined by technical skill, personal vision, cultural integrity, and the potential to emotionally, intellectually, or spiritually engage audiences. Effective planning, feasible budgeting, and project feasibility are also key components of successful submissions. Eligible projects must focus solely on the creation of new work, which may include writing, choreography, music composition, visual art, and multimedia pieces. Funds may be used to compensate the artist for time spent creating, procure materials and equipment (under $5,000), rent studio space, contract professional services, or pay for travel and accessibility needs directly related to the creation process. Public presentation expenses are explicitly ineligible. Applicants must have been legal Vermont residents for at least one year before the April 8, 2025 deadline and must be 18 years or older. They must be practicing artists who dedicate significant time to their art. Artist groups must designate a lead applicant who meets all eligibility criteria. Individuals who received a Creation Grant between FY2021 and FY2025 are not eligible to reapply. Nonprofits and projects receiving academic credit are also ineligible. Applications must be submitted through an online portal no later than 1:00 p.m. on April 8, 2025. The funding period spans from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026. Awards will be distributed upon receipt of required contractual documents after September 1, 2025. Final reports are due within 30 days of project completion and no later than September 30, 2026. All awardees are responsible for applicable taxes and will receive a 1099 form. Applicants may contact Dominique Gustin at 802.402.4602 or via email at dgustin@vermontartscouncil.org for assistance. Technical questions related to the application system can be directed to Meredith Bell at 802.402.4478. The Council encourages early communication to help applicants submit the strongest proposal possible. Accessibility accommodations are available upon request.

Reviewers prioritize artistic excellence (60%), impact (25%), and well-planned projects. Strong voice and ethical use of material encouraged.