Artist Opportunity Grants

The Delaware Division of the Arts’ Individual Artist Opportunity Grants provide up to $1,000 to support professional and artistic development or presentation opportunities for artists. These competitive grants are designed to advance an artist’s career through unique, short-term opportunities. Applicants must be Delaware residents for at least one year, 18 years or older, not enrolled in degree-granting programs, and not current recipients of the Division’s Individual Artist Fellowship. Artists may apply once per calendar year unless granted special permission, with priority given to first-time applicants. Grants fall into two categories: Professional and Artistic Development and Presentation Opportunities. Funding may support costs such as workshop fees, residency participation, materials for exhibitions, or rental of equipment for specific projects. Artists can request up to 80% of eligible expenses, excluding travel costs. Applications include contact information, narrative responses, a project budget, relevant supporting documents (e.g., brochures, mentor bios), résumés, and work samples. Evaluation criteria include the project's anticipated impact on the artist’s work, financial feasibility, and the immediacy and uniqueness of the opportunity. Deadlines occur quarterly on January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1 for activities occurring in specific timeframes. Applications are reviewed by Division staff, with decisions made within four weeks of submission. Successful applicants receive full payment upon selection and must sign a Statement of Assurances, agreeing to credit the Division appropriately, maintain compliance with accessibility requirements, and submit a final report within 30 days of project completion. For questions or assistance, artists are encouraged to contact the Division directly.