[Pittsburgh Foundation](https://pittsburghfoundation.org)

February 2026 (Spring cycle) | July 2026 (Fall cycle)

Most recent cycle: $515,000 total awarded to 29 artists; typical awards vary by stream and year.

Supports artists and collectives for projects that elevate creative work and address societal issues, emphasizing visibility and community impact.

Individual artists do not need a fiscal sponsor; collectives must apply with an eligible fiscal sponsor.

--- ## Description The Exposure Artists Program, led by the Pittsburgh Foundation and Opportunity Fund, is designed to support the creative practice of artists and artist collectives whose work increases visibility for the arts and addresses pressing societal issues. The program funds activities that generate, enhance, or create public engagement with the artistic process and artwork, particularly those that contribute to community dialogue and transformation. Since its inception in 2021, the program has prioritized diversity and the amplification of underrepresented voices within the arts. --- ## Due Dates - **Spring grant cycle (anticipated):** February 2026 - **Fall grant cycle (anticipated):** July 2026 *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - In the most recent cycle, $515,000 was awarded to 29 artists. - Award amounts may vary by funding stream and year; applicants should propose a budget appropriate to their project and funding stream. - Funding is practice-based, supporting the artist’s ongoing work rather than a single project. --- ## Eligibility - **Individual Artists:** - Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application. - Must reside in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. - Do **not** need a fiscal sponsor; apply as individuals. - **Artist Collectives:** - All members must be at least 18 and reside in (or the collective must be located in) Allegheny County, PA. - Must apply with a qualified fiscal sponsor (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with 5+ years of operating history, strong financial management, and alignment with the collective’s mission). - **Transformative Justice Stream:** - Applicants (or all collective members) must identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color). - Applicants may only apply to one funding stream per year. - Prior grantees must have completed final reporting and spent all previous grant funds to be eligible for new funding. - Applicants who have received more than $2,500 from any arts grant program for the creation of work may not be eligible as first-time grantees. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted through the Foundation’s online grants portal. - Individual artists must create a personal profile; collectives must submit via their fiscal sponsor. - Required materials include: - Narrative responses (artist statement, vision for use of funds, impact, etc.) - Work samples (up to 5 links/uploads; strict limits apply) - Demographic information (for both individuals and collectives) - For collectives: fiscal sponsor agreement, audited financial statement, and operating budget - Only one application per applicant per cycle is allowed. - All required attachments and documentation must be provided for the application to be considered complete. --- ## Additional Information - The program is not accepting new applications in 2025; the next anticipated cycles are in 2026. - Individual artists seeking direct support may also consider other active Foundation initiatives such as Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh. - For collectives, the fiscal sponsor must meet strict eligibility and documentation requirements. - Grants are intended to support the full scope of artistic practice, not just a single project. - Practice-based support means funding can be used for a range of activities that further the artist’s or collective’s work and impact. --- ## External Links - [Exposure Artists Program Overview](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/exposure) - [Fiscal Sponsorship Guidelines](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/fiscalsponsor) - [Support for the Careers and Lives of Individual Artists](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/artsindividuals) - [Exposure Artists Program FAQs](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/exposurefaqs) - [Pittsburgh Foundation Grant Opportunities](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/grant-opps) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | |---------------------|--------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|-----------------| | Nicole Henninger | Senior Program Officer, Arts & Culture| [henningern@pghfdn.org](mailto:henningern@pghfdn.org) | 412-394-2617 | | Taliya Allen | Program Associate for the Arts | [allent@pghfdn.org](mailto:allent@pghfdn.org) | | | Katie Potts | Program Assistant | [pottsk@pghfdn.org](mailto:pottsk@pghfdn.org) | 412-394-2654 | | General Arts Grants | | [arts@pghfdn.org](mailto:arts@pghfdn.org) | 412-394-2654 | ---

Exposure Artists Program

Sign in to see full grant listing