Artistic Innovations Grant Program
This program provides funding to artists and nonprofit organizations in six states to create and present innovative new works that engage the public and serve underserved communities.
The Artistic Innovations Grant Program is administered by the Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA), a regional arts organization serving Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. The program supports the development and public presentation of new, original, or experimental works of art. Designed to foster creativity across diverse artistic disciplines, the grant aims to engage communities through art-making and broaden access to artistic experiences. M-AAA offers cost-sharing grants of up to $15,000 to individual artists and nonprofit arts organizations based in its six-state service region. The grants support expenses associated with the creation and premiere of new work, including performances, exhibitions, lectures, publications, and workshops. The initiative emphasizes public engagement and encourages applications from both urban and rural communities, particularly those traditionally underserved in the arts due to geography, race/ethnicity, economic status, or disability. Applicants must provide a 1:1 cash match, meaning the proposed project budget should equal or exceed the grant request. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organizations and individual artists. M-AAA strongly encourages first-time applicants and those representing diverse communities to apply. Since its inception in 2012, the program has awarded more than $2 million in funding, and it is fully funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. The application window for the most recent cycle opened on January 31, 2025, and closed on March 13, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Central Time. Final grant decisions are expected in July 2025, with awards distributed that same month. Projects must begin after July 1, 2025, and all grant funds must be expended by June 30, 2026. Final reports are due by July 31, 2026. Applications were evaluated by discipline-specific advisory panels based on artistic merit and excellence. At least two grants will be awarded per state in the six-state region, with a minimum of 12 grants issued in total. Although timelines have been affected by delays from the National Endowment for the Arts, M-AAA will continue to keep applicants informed as adjustments are made. This grant is not currently accepting applications. However, due to its recurring nature, a future application cycle is anticipated. Interested individuals and organizations are encouraged to subscribe to M-AAA's newsletter for updates and future opportunities.
Award Range
$15,000 - $15,000
Total Program Funding
Not specified
Number of Awards
12
Matching Requirement
Yes - 1:1
Additional Details
Cost-sharing grant up to $15,000; 1:1 match required; funds must be used between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
The grant is open to individual artists and nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organizations located within the M-AAA region. Applicants should be working on new, original, or experimental projects and are encouraged to serve underserved populations. Those applying for the first time are also encouraged to apply.
Geographic Eligibility
All
Emphasize the public engagement element and ensure clarity in the project's originality and budget match.
Application Opens
Not specified
Application Closes
Not specified
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