Artist Project Grant 2026

The Artist Project Grant for Fiscal Year 2026 is administered by the Maine Arts Commission and aims to support individual artists residing in Maine. This grant provides funding to assist artists at various stages of their careers, supporting the creation of new or ongoing work, skill enhancement, participation in programs that elevate artistic quality, and activities that bring their art to public audiences. The program is open to artists in any discipline and at any scale, provided that the project takes place between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. Eligible applicants must be individual practicing artists who are current residents of Maine and at least 18 years old by the application deadline. Additionally, applicants must have completed all final reports for any previous awards from the Maine Arts Commission, if applicable. However, applicants cannot apply for both the Artist Project Grant and the Springboard Grant within the same grant cycle. Grant funds may be used for a variety of expenses directly related to an artist’s project, including materials, equipment, productions, installations, planning and preparation, tour or exhibition costs, residencies, and hiring other artists or assistants. However, funding cannot be used for debt repayment, equipment purchases over $5,000, home office or studio expenses, activities related to formal education, political activities, or projects exclusive to religious groups. Applications will be evaluated competitively based on four key criteria: project feasibility (50%), project impact on the artist’s career (20%), budget feasibility (10%), and artistic excellence and merit (20%). Applicants are required to submit an online application, which includes a project proposal, timeline, budget details, and supporting materials such as artistic samples (images, audio, video, writing, or testimonials). Submitted materials must follow specific formatting guidelines outlined in the application instructions. The grant application portal opens on January 22, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., and all applications must be submitted by February 26, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Award notifications will be sent by email, and selected grantees will be required to sign an agreement with the Maine Arts Commission. Funds may take up to 12 weeks to be disbursed, and recipients must comply with all grant terms, including submitting a final report within 14 days of the end of the fiscal year. For grant-related inquiries, applicants may contact the Maine Arts Commission at 207-287-2724. For technical assistance with the application process, Eli Cabañas, Grants and Web Manager, can be reached at [email protected] or 207-287-6746. The Commission is committed to accessibility and provides alternative formats and assistance upon request to ensure an inclusive grant application process.