[South Arts](https://www.southarts.org)

April 30, 2026 (final application deadline; rolling submissions accepted until 11:59 PM Eastern)

$500–$3,000 per award; up to 2/3 of total project cost; 2:1 match required; approx. 15 grants awarded

Supports individual artists in the South Arts region to pursue significant professional development or milestone career opportunities.

--- ## Description This grant provides direct support to individual artists in the South Arts region (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee) for professional development activities that can significantly advance their careers. Eligible opportunities include residencies, apprenticeships, conferences, creative entrepreneurship, exhibitions, research, and more. The program is designed to help artists overcome financial barriers to career-enhancing experiences and is open to a wide range of artistic disciplines. Funding is competitive, with approximately 15 awards given in this cycle. --- ## Due Dates - Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed every two months. - Final application deadline: **April 30, 2026, 11:59 PM (Eastern)** - Activities must occur between **November 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026**. Applicants are notified: - For applications submitted November 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026: by March 1, 2026 - For applications submitted February 1, 2026 – April 30, 2026: by June 1, 2026 --- ## Funding Amount - **Award range:** $500 (minimum) to $3,000 (maximum) - **Match required:** South Arts funds up to 2/3 of total opportunity cost; artist covers the remaining 1/3 (2:1 match) - **Number of awards:** Up to 15 grants expected for this cycle - **Eligible expenses:** Travel, lodging, fees, materials, professional services, childcare/eldercare (up to 20% of request), foregone income, and more (see guidelines for full list) - **Disbursement:** 75% upon award acceptance; 25% after final report approval --- ## Eligibility - Individual, professional-caliber working artist (not groups or organizations) - Resident of one of the nine South Arts states (AL, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN) - Must be 18 years or older and a legal U.S. resident - Not enrolled as a degree-seeking student during the grant period - Only one application per artist per funding cycle - Must maintain residency in the region during the award period **Eligible disciplines include:** - Dance, music, opera, theatre, visual arts, crafts, photography, design, media arts, folk/traditional arts, literature, time-based and public art **Eligible activities include:** - Artist residencies, apprenticeships, conferences/classes (up to $1,000), creative entrepreneurship, invitations to present/perform/exhibit, research, and related travel **Ineligible activities include:** - Group projects, cataloging/archiving/promoting a body of work, activities for degree programs, general showcases/booking conferences, equipment/infrastructure purchases, and activities outside the grant period --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Apply through the [South Arts Salesforce Grants Portal](https://southarts.my.site.com/grants/s/) - **Required materials:** - Narrative responses (career impact, artistic excellence/merit) - Budget showing match - Evidence of invitation/acceptance (on letterhead or official email) for applicable opportunities - 3–5 relevant links (artist website, host organization, etc.) - Up to 3 work samples (completed in the last five years) - Resume or CV (max 3 pages) - Online certification of application accuracy - **Review:** Applications are reviewed on a two-month cycle by a panel; awards are competitive - **Reporting:** Final report and supporting documentation required within 30 days of completing the funded activity --- ## Additional Information - Artists may apply for other South Arts funding (for unrelated projects) but cannot use South Arts funds as match for this grant. - All expenses must be incurred within the grant period (Nov 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026). - Grantees must keep records and receipts for all funded activities. - Funds cannot be transferred to other events or activities without written approval. --- ## External Links - [Full Program Guidelines & Application Portal](https://www.southarts.org/grants-opportunities/artist-creative-practice) - [South Arts Grants & Opportunities Overview](https://www.southarts.org/grants-opportunities) - [Informational Webinar (YouTube)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSh1fuKpXSc) - [Salesforce Application Portal](https://southarts.my.site.com/grants/s/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |---------------------|----------------------------|-----------------------------------------|---------------------| | Emmitt Stevenson | Artist Engagement Director | [estevenson@southarts.org](mailto:estevenson@southarts.org) | 404-874-7244 ext. 825 | | South Arts Grants | General Inquiries | [grants@southarts.org](mailto:grants@southarts.org) | 404-874-7244 | For technical questions about the application portal, contact [grants@southarts.org](mailto:grants@southarts.org). ---

Artist Creative Practice

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