Artist Funding in United States
Arts councils, grants, and funding bodies for artists
Creative Capital
Creative Capital is a national nonprofit that provides high-profile, unrestricted project grants and intensive career support to individual artists across the U.S., including visual artists working in innovative and interdisciplinary ways. Awards often total tens of thousands of dollars in combined cash and services over the life of a project, with funds usable for production, research, living expenses, and more. Applications are open to U.S.-based artists, and the program is highly competitive, emphasizing ambitious, risk-taking work.
Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture
The Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture is a significant local public funder, supporting organizations and, through special initiatives, individual artists in LA County. Visual artists often engage through public art commissions, community-focused projects, and grant programs administered in partnership with nonprofits, with awards typically in the $5,000–$30,000 range for artist fees and production. Most programs require residence or primary practice in Los Angeles County.
Mid Atlantic Arts
Mid Atlantic Arts supports artists and organizations in the Mid-Atlantic region through grants, residencies, and touring programs. Visual artists can benefit from regional fellowships, public art and community project grants, and support to exhibit or present work in partnership with regional institutions, with grant amounts often between $2,000 and $20,000. Many programs require either residency within member states or a relationship with a presenting organization.
Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA)
Mid-America Arts Alliance is one of the U.S. regional arts organizations, serving states in the central United States through regranting programs and professional development. For visual artists, M-AAA and its state partners periodically offer project grants, touring and exhibition support, and fellowships that fund creation, presentation, or community-based work, often in the $1,000–$15,000 range. Eligibility generally requires residence in a member state or collaboration with an eligible organization.
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
The National Endowment for the Arts is the primary federal arts funder in the U.S., supporting organizations across disciplines through project-based grants and partnership agreements. Visual artists typically access NEA funding indirectly by partnering with eligible nonprofits, museums, or community organizations that apply on their behalf. Grants to organizations commonly range from about $10,000 to $100,000 and can cover artist fees, production costs, and community-based visual arts projects.
New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA)
The New England Foundation for the Arts supports artists and organizations in the New England region with project grants, public art support, and cross-border initiatives. Visual artists may access funding for creation, exhibition, and community-engaged projects, as well as some travel and networking support, with typical awards ranging from about $2,000 to $20,000. Many programs are open to both individual artists and organizations, with a focus on serving New England communities.
New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA)
New York Foundation for the Arts is a nonprofit that offers fellowships, regrants, and fiscal sponsorship, with a strong track record of supporting visual artists. NYFA’s artist fellowships and project grants are generally unrestricted or lightly restricted, often ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, and support a wide range of visual practices from painting and sculpture to new media. Some programs are limited to New York State residents, while others are open more broadly, including select opportunities for non-U.S.-based artists.
New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA)
The New York State Council on the Arts is a major state-level funder supporting arts organizations and, through regrant partners, individual artists across New York State. Visual artists commonly access NYSCA funding via local arts councils or fiscal sponsors for project-based work, public art, and community collaborations, with grants often between $2,000 and $15,000. While NYSCA itself mostly funds organizations, many regrant programs explicitly support individual artists.
San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC)
The San Francisco Arts Commission is the city’s arts agency, offering direct grants to individual artists and arts organizations, particularly for community-focused and public projects. Visual artists can receive project-based support for creating new work, public art, and socially engaged practices, with individual artist grants often ranging from around $5,000 to $20,000. Applicants typically must be residents of San Francisco and demonstrate benefit to local communities.
South Arts
South Arts is the regional arts organization for the U.S. South, offering fellowships, project grants, and touring support to artists and organizations. Visual artists can apply for individual artist fellowships, cross-sector and community-based project grants, and professional development support, with awards often ranging from $5,000 to $40,000 depending on the program. Programs typically require residence in a Southern state served by South Arts.
State Arts Agencies (SAAs) – Collective Network
Each U.S. state and jurisdiction has an official arts agency that receives NEA funds plus state appropriations to support the arts. These agencies often provide individual artist fellowships, project grants, and sometimes career development support for visual artists residing in that state, with typical awards ranging from roughly $1,000 to $25,000 depending on the program and location. Funding priorities and eligibility vary, so artists generally must apply to the arts agency in the state where they live or primarily work.
WESTAF (Western States Arts Federation)
WESTAF is the regional arts organization serving Western U.S. states, administering regranting programs, fellowships, and opportunities that often include direct support to visual artists. Programs such as regional fellowships and project grants may support production costs, exhibitions, and public art initiatives, with award sizes varying but frequently in the low- to mid-five-figure range. Most opportunities target artists residing in WESTAF’s member states or working through partner organizations.
Artist Residencies in United States
435 residencies listed
Wassaic Project
Wassaic, United States
The Wassaic Project stands as a beacon of creativity and support for artists in the heart of Wassaic, NY. This residency, nestled in historic buildings, offers artists time and space crucial for their development. Not confined to producing work, artists are encouraged to explore, conceptualize, and immerse themselves in a creative laboratory without the pressure of outcomes. With both summer and winter programs, the Wassaic Project provides adaptable studios in Maxon Mills and Luther Barn, alongside private or shared housing. A unique aspect of this residency is its inclusive approach, welcoming individual artists, collaborative teams, and families, emphasizing the diversity of the artistic community. The residency spans various durations throughout the year, each with a distinct focus, including open calls for summer exhibitions, residencies, and special events like the Haunted Mill. Financial support is a cornerstone of the Wassaic Project, with efforts to subsidize residencies through fellowships and need-based financial assistance, highlighting the organization's commitment to removing financial barriers for artists. At the heart of the Wassaic Project is a commitment to community engagement and professional development. Residents benefit from monthly programming like open studios, group studio visits, and interactions with creative professionals, enriching the residency experience. The project's open call for applications and fellowships, such as the Work and Family Fellowship and Sustainable Arts Fellowship, underscores its dedication to supporting a broad spectrum of artists, including those from underrepresented communities. In summary, the Wassaic Project offers a multifaceted residency program that not only provides the necessary space and resources for artistic growth but also fosters a vibrant community of artists, encouraging innovation, exploration, and collaboration within the scenic ambiance of Wassaic, NY.
ON::VIEW
Savannah, United States
The ON::VIEW Artist Residency, hosted by ARTS Southeast and Sulfur Studios, is an innovative program situated in Savannah’s vibrant Starland District, offering artists a distinctive platform to explore and expand their creative practice. Established in 2018, the residency provides a free, high-visibility studio space for artists to work on new projects, continue existing work, or conduct research. Unique for its location, the residency features studio space with large windows facing Bull Street, the district's main thoroughfare, making the artists' creative process accessible to the community and allowing for continuous public engagement. This residency stands out not only for its commitment to artistic exploration but also for its inclusion of the 5th Dimension Apartment, introduced in 2022 to offer free housing for out-of-town artists. This addition underscores the program's goal to attract a wide array of creatives from around the globe, further establishing Savannah as a key destination for the arts. The apartment comes with a full kitchen, bath, and a private garden, providing a comfortable and inspiring environment for the residents. The ON::VIEW Residency supports a wide range of artistic media and encourages interaction with the local community through workshops, performances, public art projects, and artist talks. It's designed to foster creative exchanges and the sharing of ideas, enriching both the artists’ experience and the cultural life of Savannah.
Sam & Adele Golden Foundation for the Arts
New Berlin, United States
The Sam & Adele Golden Foundation for the Arts offers a distinctive artist residency focused on painters, located in the scenic environs of New Berlin, New York. This residency, housed within a refurbished 19th-century barn near the Golden Artist Colors manufacturing site, provides a rich environment for artists to deeply engage with the full spectrum of painting materials and technologies. Each residency session grants artists access to innovative and experimental paint products alongside traditional mediums, facilitated by the proximity to the Golden Artist Colors labs and production facilities. The program, operational since 2012, supports up to three artists per session, with each session lasting four weeks. Artists benefit from large, open studio spaces, a private apartment, and comprehensive material resources at no cost, thanks to fundraising efforts like art auctions. The goal is to immerse artists in exploratory work that pushes the boundaries of paint as a medium, backed by expert technical support from paint technicians and formulators. Residencies are awarded through a competitive, juried process, emphasizing artistic quality and professional dedication. Artists are encouraged to bring their own tools and substrates but are provided with a wide array of paints and materials. This setting not only offers a retreat into nature but also fosters a communal atmosphere through shared facilities and organized activities that encourage creative and professional growth.
Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts
Omaha, United States
The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, since its inception in 1981, has stood as a beacon for artists worldwide, offering an invaluable platform for research, creation, and exploration. Located in Omaha, Nebraska, the Bemis Center provides a rich environment for artists to delve into their creative processes without the constraints of specific outcomes or expectations. The residency offers a unique blend of private live/work studios, extensive installation and production spaces, and specialized facilities such as the Okada Sculpture & Ceramics Facility and a Sound Studio. These spaces are designed to support a wide range of artistic activities, from large-scale sculpture fabrication to sound experimentation and recording. Residents benefit from the Bemis Center’s commitment to fostering a vibrant community among a multidisciplinary mix of artists. This community is not only a source of professional collaboration but also a foundation for lasting personal friendships. Moreover, the Bemis Center provides its artists-in-residence with financial support to cover personal needs, material costs, and travel expenses, easing the financial burden and allowing them to focus on their artistic development. Technical and administrative support further enhances the residency experience, enabling artists to navigate challenges and seize opportunities to advance their work. The Bemis Center also places a strong emphasis on public engagement, inviting residents to share their work through presentations, open studios, and interactions with the broader community and local art organizations. This approach enriches the residency experience, offering artists a platform to showcase their work and engage with diverse audiences.
Oak Spring Garden Foundation
Upperville, United States
The Oak Spring Garden Foundation (OSGF) offers a unique residency experience located in Upperville, Virginia, nestled between the towns of Middleburg and Marshall. The foundation is dedicated to perpetuating the gifts of Rachel "Bunny" Lambert Mellon, including her extensive gardens, estate, and the Oak Spring Garden Library. The OSGF focuses on interdisciplinary residencies that bring together artists, conservation practitioners, researchers, and scholars who are connected through their creative and investigative practices concerning plants, gardens, landscapes, and related environmental themes. Established in 2021, the residency program supports individuals engaged in a variety of disciplines including the arts, conservation, humanities, and plant and ecological sciences. Residents are provided with fully furnished accommodations and have access to studios, a significant library collection, communal meals, and various natural and cultivated landscapes on the 700-acre property. The program aims to foster a collaborative environment among residents while also providing opportunities for solitude and focused work. Key components of the residency include initial orientations to the resources available at OSGF, involvement in community meals prepared by an on-site chef, and optional involvement in activities that enhance their experiential learning and connection to the site.
Residency Unlimited (RU)
Brooklyn, United States
Residency Unlimited (RU) operates as a distinctive non-profit organization in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, set within the historical South Congregational Church. Its core mission revolves around supporting the creation, presentation, and dissemination of contemporary art. RU distinguishes itself through its unique residency program and vibrant year-round public programs, fostering a rich environment for artists and curators from both local and international backgrounds. RU’s approach to residencies is highly customized, focusing on network support, project/production assistance, and public exposure for its participants. This includes personalized interactions with art professionals, weekly project support, and opportunities for public engagement through RU’s Brooklyn venue or partnering locations across New York City. The multifunctional space not only serves as a hub for communal activities but also as a platform for talks, screenings, performances, and exhibitions. One of the organization's signature features is its commitment to building professional networks, facilitating meetings with art professionals for critical feedback and studio visits. Moreover, RU places a significant emphasis on collaboration, working closely with a variety of institutional partners to provide residents with necessary workspace, technical and logistical support, thus enhancing the overall residency experience. Despite not offering individual studio space explicitly for artistic production, RU provides shared workspaces within its facilities, enabling for collaborative and independent work. This setup encourages residents to engage deeply with their projects while benefiting from the creative and logistical support of RU's dedicated staff.