DeHaan Artist of Distinction Award
Forecasted
DeHaan Artist of Distinction Award supports Indiana contemporary visual artists with innovative projects that advance their creative practice and careers while bringing something new to contemporary art.
This grant was recently updated
Applications are now closed for 2026, replacing the previously listed May 3 and October 18, 2026 round deadlines.
Funder: Indy Arts Council
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (Round 1 draft review) | May 2027 (Round 1 application) | September 2027 (Round 2 draft review) | October 2027 (Round 2 application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $10,000 per artist; up to five awards annually; projects completed within 12 months
Summary: Supports Indiana contemporary visual artists pursuing aspirational, innovative projects that advance their creative practice.
Key Information: Applicants need five years of documented experience and consistent visual-art income, plus three consecutive years living and/or working in Indiana.
Description
Administered by Indy Arts Council and funded entirely through a legacy gift from the Christel DeHaan Family Foundation, this annual award supports professional contemporary visual artists in Indiana. Launched in 2017 and expanded statewide in 2021, it gives artists room to explore, take risks, and push their practice in new directions through original projects.
Supported disciplines include drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, photography, textiles, and digital/new media. Projects may be new or existing, but must be aspirational and innovative, advance the artist’s work or career, and bring something new to contemporary visual art. Activities can take place anywhere. Completed work is presented in a professionally curated group exhibition at Gallery 924.
