Arts on Tour Grant

The Arts on Tour Grant, administered by the Arkansas Arts Council, is designed to support nonprofit organizations in the state of Arkansas by subsidizing the cost of hiring professional artists from the state-sanctioned Arts on Tour Artist Roster. This grant is part of a broader effort by the Arkansas Arts Council, a division under Arkansas Heritage, to foster community engagement and access to the arts across the state through direct artist interactions and performance opportunities. Funding for this program stems from a combination of state appropriations made by the Arkansas General Assembly and federal allocations from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The primary objective of the grant is to broaden access to high-quality arts programming by covering up to 40 percent of artist fees, not exceeding $2,000 per engagement. Only artists listed on the Arts on Tour Roster are eligible for funding under this initiative, ensuring consistent quality and alignment with program goals. This structure supports both the visibility of Arkansas artists and the enrichment of local communities through cultural events, workshops, performances, and other arts-centered engagements. Eligible applicants include a broad range of nonprofit organizations located within Arkansas. This includes public and private schools, public libraries, community festivals, and faith-based institutions such as churches. The inclusive eligibility allows for a diverse set of organizations to bring arts experiences to varied audiences, particularly in underserved or rural areas. The grant operates on an ongoing basis, with no fixed application deadline. Applications are submitted online via the Arkansas Arts Council’s Grants Portal, using the grant code “aac.” While applicants are encouraged to reach out to the Grants Program Manager for guidance, applications will not be considered unless they are complete at the time of submission. Late applications are accepted only in cases of “good cause” as determined by the Council’s Executive Director, such as natural disasters or other events outside the applicant's control. Evaluation of applications is conducted by a panel consisting of Council members and external field representatives with expertise in relevant artistic disciplines. These individuals are selected based on qualifications and geographic representation. Awards are subject to final approval by the Arkansas Arts Council in May and are issued after legislative review in July. Payments are typically disbursed in installments across the grant year, which follows the Arkansas state fiscal cycle of July 1 through June 30. For additional support, applicants are encouraged to contact Brazier Watts, the Acting Director and Grants Program Manager, at (501) 324-9781. The Arkansas Arts Council headquarters is located at 1100 North Street, Little Rock, AR 72201. This grant does not recur on a set schedule, and since it operates continuously, organizations may apply year-round as opportunities arise.

Speak with the appropriate program manager before applying; late submissions allowed only for good cause beyond applicant control.