[The Boston Foundation](https://www.tbf.org)

April 2026 (Round Two full application/proposal deadline, projected)

$30,000 per grantee; 18-month grant period; approx. $1 million total annually for ~30 artists

Immersive grant program supporting Boston-area performing artists with funding and holistic professional, personal, and creative development, emphasizing equity and artist well-being.

--- ## Description Live Arts Boston (LAB) is a grant initiative by The Boston Foundation, in partnership with The Barr Foundation, designed to nurture performing artists, creators, and cultural practitioners in the Greater Boston area. LAB offers an 18-month immersive program that combines financial support ($30,000 per grantee) with a suite of customized professional development, wellness coaching, mentorship, business skills training, and creative feedback. The program centers artist well-being, risk-taking, and equity, with a particular focus on uplifting BIPOC and immigrant artists. Grantees expand their professional networks, collaborate across disciplines, and are expected to participate in at least 70% of program seminars and mentorship sessions. --- ## Due Dates - April 2026 (anticipated/projection for Round Two full application/proposal deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Individual grants of $30,000 per artist or group - Approximately 30 grantees per year - 18-month grant period with holistic, integrated support (wellness coaching, workshops, mentorship, etc.) - Total annual funding pool is typically over $1 million --- ## Eligibility ### For Individual Artists/Groups: - Primary applicant must be over 18 and a professional artist (significant time/training in the arts) - Must have at least two years of professional (non-academic) work history - Not a full-time student during the grant period - Project must be presented publicly in Greater Boston between December 2025 and June 2026 - Project cannot be predominantly film, visual arts, or arts education/youth-focused - No LAB grant received in the previous two calendar years - Must commit to participating in the full 18-month grant cycle - Must reside within The Boston Foundation’s [Geographic Area Served](https://www.tbf.org/nonprofits/geographic-area-served) ### For Organizations: - Must be a non-profit with a primary mission in performing arts and annual budget under $450,000 - Primary applicant must meet the individual eligibility requirements above - Same restrictions on project focus and timeline as individuals/groups --- ## Application Process - Two-stage application: initial application (Round One) and, if selected, a full proposal (Round Two) - Applicants advancing to Round Two are given 2–3 weeks to submit their full proposal - Work samples (preferably video, up to 6 minutes total) are required - Narrative responses should be clear and accessible (not academic), describing artistic goals, project concept, and career growth potential - Fiscal sponsorship is not required for individuals or groups, but may be used - Commitment to the 18-month program and participation in at least 70% of activities is mandatory - All applicants are notified of their status by email --- ## Additional Information - LAB prioritizes projects led by and uplifting BIPOC, immigrant, and underrepresented artists - Projects must have a strong public engagement component within Greater Boston - Stand-alone media, film, or album-only projects are not eligible - Past grantees must wait at least one cycle (two years) before reapplying - The program invests in both new and existing works, with openness to transformation and growth --- ## External Links - [Program Overview & Application Portal](https://www.tbf.org/nonprofits/grant-making-initiatives/live-arts-boston) - [Eligibility FAQs](https://www.tbf.org/nonprofits/grant-making-initiatives/live-arts-boston/lab-faq) - [2024 LAB Grantees & Artist Bios](https://www.tbf.org/nonprofits/grant-making-initiatives/live-arts-boston/lab-2024) - [The Barr Foundation (Partner)](https://www.barrfoundation.org/) - [Geographic Area Served](https://www.tbf.org/nonprofits/geographic-area-served) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Web Contact Form | |-------------------|-------------------------------|---------------|--------------------------------------------------| | LAB Program Team | [LAB@tbf.org](mailto:LAB@tbf.org) | 617.338.1700 | [Contact Page](https://www.tbf.org/who-we-are/contact) | ---

Live Arts Boston

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