McCain Artist Grant
Forecasted
McCain Artist Grant supports Erie County artists with unrestricted funding for creative work and livelihood expenses, helping sustain their practices and meaningful engagement with audiences and communities.
Funder: Erie Arts and Culture
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $5,000 and $1,000 unrestricted awards
Summary: Unrestricted funding supports Erie County artists’ creative practices and livelihood expenses across career levels and disciplines.
Key Information: Applicants must be at least 18 and current residents of Erie County, Pennsylvania.
Description
The McCain Artist Grant, administered by Erie Arts and Culture and funded through the Erie Arts Endowment, provides unrestricted support for artists’ creative practices and livelihoods. In 2026, the program brings together the McCain Fellowship and the McCain Grant to Advance Artist Opportunities in response to the community’s increased need for flexible funding. Artists may use awards for creative work or personal expenses that support their livelihood, including childcare and travel.
The program supports Erie County artists across career levels and creative disciplines. It encourages applications from folk and traditional artists, community-based and self-taught artists, fine artists, and artists with academic arts backgrounds. Selection emphasizes professional trajectory, artistic merit, and audience or community impact, prioritizing momentum, originality, and meaningful engagement.
