Imagine what life would be like if you didn’t have to worry day in and day out about funding your art business endeavors. You are first and foremost an artist, but that doesn’t mean you can forget about the financials. So, what’s holding you back from applying for an artist grant?
Getting an artist grant allows you to worry less about running an art business and gives you more time to focus on what you really love: creating art.
How do you find the perfect artist grant? Simple. We’ve rounded up five sites for you to peruse artist grant opportunities and find the funding you need.
1. CaFÉ
While you may know this site for its wide array of calls for shows, exhibitions, and residencies, this site also boasts a collection of grants and awards. Search through the listings at no cost which cover all the need-to-know details for applying, including entry deadline, fees, location eligibility, and more.
2. The New York Foundation for the Arts
Not just for New York-based artists, NYFA is a goldmine of opportunity. The site not only lists grants and awards available for artists, but everything from residencies to professional development. In their Advanced Search feature, select exactly which opportunity type you are looking for to make your search for funding easier.
The Cranbrook Academy of Art Library’s website includes individual artist grants, grants for specific regions in the U.S., and even international grants for which artists can apply.
Just be sure to check the entry deadlines. If an application deadline is weeks or months away, create a reminder in “My Schedule” on Artwork Archive, so you don’t miss out on these opportunities.
Some good grants from this list to keep an eye on? The Harpo Foundation and The Puffin Foundation offer yearly grant deadlines, or try The Pollock-Krasner Foundation which you can apply to year-round.
But wait, there’s more!
Another site you may have heard of is ArtDeadline.com. According to their website, it is “the largest and most respected source for artists seeking income and exhibition opportunities.” The site may cost you a subscription fee of $20 a year to view the majority of its opportunities, but you can still browse many grants listed for free on their homepage and the @ArtDeadline Twitter account.
5. Patreon
We admit, this is not a site where you can search for grant money, but one you can still get lots of funding for your art business. Sites like Patreon allow you to create different monetary tiers for your fans to donate, such as $5, $75, or $200 dollars a month. In return, you gift your subscribers something of corresponding value, such as an art screensaver download or an art print of their choice.
It doesn’t have to take a lot of time or effort, either. Creative Web Biz’s Yamile Yemoonyah explains more about this process in “How to Make a Regular and Predictable Income as an Artist.”
Start applying today!
Finding an artist grant doesn’t have to been a chore. Searching these dedicated sites and setting reminders to apply can introduce you to some wonderful opportunities. With some extra funding, you can focus more on creating your art and doing what’s needed to take your art business to the next level.
