Artistic Innovations
The Artistic Innovations grant supports the creation and public presentation of new, experimental works by artists and organizations in the Mid-America region, emphasizing public engagement and interdisciplinary approaches.
Funder: Mid-America Arts Alliance
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (Full application deadline) | March 2027 (Extension requests due 5 days before application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $15,000 per project (1:1 match required); typically 12+ awards per year across six states; project period generally one year.
Summary: Supports the creation and public presentation of new, original works by artists and arts organizations in the Mid-America region, with an emphasis on experimentation and public engagement.
Key Information: For artists and nonprofit organizations in AR, KS, MO, NE, OK, and TX; dollar-for-dollar match required; projects must include both a premiere/feature and an educational/outreach activity.
Description
The Artistic Innovations program, administered by the Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA) and funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, provides support for the creation and public presentation of new, original works of art. The grant encourages experimentation and interdisciplinary approaches across all artistic disciplines and aims to foster innovative, groundbreaking projects that engage the public. Projects must take place in one or more of the six-state M-AAA region: Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas.
All funded projects must include at least two public-facing engagements—a premiere or feature presentation, and an educational or outreach activity. The program seeks to benefit a broad constituency, including underserved and first-time applicants, and awards at least two grants per state each cycle.
