EVENT LINK: https://www.midatlanticarts.org/opportunity/usartists-international/

FEE: Free to apply

USArtists International

Application Open - Apply by Wednesday, February 25, 2026

USArtists International® (USAI) supports U.S. artists' with eligible performance engagements abroad, providing grants of up to $11,000 that can help cover expenses like flights, lodging, per diems and more. The program funds individuals and ensembles that meet criteria that are based anywhere in the U.S. across all performing arts practices and disciplines.

To apply, you must have at least one invitation to perform at an international festival outside the U.S. where you are being paid an artist fee, or an invitation to perform at a global performing arts market like CINARS or PAMS. Review the updated guidelines for additional eligibility requirements, updates to the program, and details on the 1:1 grant matching requirement. 

New this year: Artists that do not have non-profit status may no longer apply for this program with a non-profit fiscal sponsor. This is due to a policy change by our funder. Instead, artists that do not have non-profit status may apply directly as an individual. Individuals that receive grant funds on behalf of themself or their ensemble will receive a 1099 from Mid Atlantic Arts and are liable for any tax burden of receiving the grant. Review guidelines for additional info and attend this webinar to learn more about potential tax impacts. 

Learn More / Apply Today

Applicants with eligible performance engagements between June 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027 can apply at the next deadline on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Notifications of funding decisions are sent by May 20, 2026.  

EVENT LINK: https://springboardforthearts.org/programs/leslye-orr-fund-for-artists-with-disabilities/

FEE: Free to apply

The Leslye Orr Fund for Artists with Disabilities

The Leslye Orr Fund provides non-competitive direct support for artists with disabilities in Minnesota to create work and invest in their careers. Inspired by Leslye Orr’s advocacy for “the possibilities of disabilities,” this fund fosters artistry, inclusivity, and community joy. 

4 Minnesota-based artists will be selected through a randomized drawing process of eligible applicants

• Each artist will receive a $2500 unrestricted grant in recognition of their work

• This opportunity is open to artists of all disciplines that self-identify as an individual with disabilities.

Deadline: Apply by Sunday, April 6, 2026

EVENT LINK: https://www.arts.state.mn.us/grants/creative-individuals.htm

FEE: Free to apply

Minnesota State Arts Board | Creative Individuals Grant

Creative Individuals Grant (FY 2027) – Now Open
This pilot program provides funding for individual artists and culture bearers to develop or sustain their creative practice and meaningfully engage with Minnesotans through audiences, participants, students, and/or community activities.

Grant Amount: $2,000–$10,000 (no cash match required)
Deadline: March 6, 2026 by 4:30 p.m.
Who Can Apply: Individual artists (dance, media arts, music, photography, poetry/prose, theater, visual art) and culture bearers trained by traditional elders or master artists.
Grant Period: January–December 2027 (awards approved November 2026)

Note: Applicants may apply to only one FY 2027 program (Creative Individuals, Arts Experiences, Arts Education, or Cultural Expression). FY 2026 Creative Individuals grantees are not eligible.

EVENT LINK: https://www.arts.state.mn.us/grants/accessible-arts.htm

FEE: Free to apply

Grant Opportunity for Organizations:
FY 2027 Accessible Arts

Presented by the Minnesota State Arts Board

Application materials are now available for the Accessible Arts grant program, a pilot initiative supporting projects that increase access to the arts for people with disabilities. Funding is intended for investments that create long-term accessibility improvements within arts organizations.

Eligible uses include:

• Accessibility-related professional development (staff or volunteer training)

• Hiring accessibility consultants for audits or accessibility planning

• Small equipment purchases under $5,000 (such as assisted listening or captioning equipment, handrails, or grab bars)

Key Dates

• Applications available: Now open

• Application deadline: April 10, 2026 at 4:30 PM (CT)

🔗 Program details, eligibility, and application guidelines:
https://www.arts.state.mn.us/grants/accessible-arts.htm

EVENT LINK: https://www.arts.gov/honors/heritage/make-a-national-heritage-fellowship-nomination

FEE: Free to nominate

NEA National Heritage Fellowships

The NEA is now accepting nominations for the 2027 NEA National Heritage Fellowships. These fellowships are the nation’s highest honor in the folk and traditional arts and recognize artists and individuals who have significantly contributed to our nation’s rich cultural heritage. Nominees must be actively participating in their respective art form, whether as practitioners, mentors, instructors, or scholars, and must be worthy of national recognition.

Note: Beginning this year, nominations are active for one year only. Nominations made previously must be resubmitted this year to remain active.

Deadlines: 

·     Submit the online nomination form through the NEA's website
(Part 1): Monday, May 11, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. EST.

·     Additional required materials through Applicant Portal
(Part 2): Friday, May 22, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. EST.

EVENT LINK: https://mcad.submittable.com/submit

FEE: Free to apply

2026 McKnight Fellowships for Visual Artists

Deadline: Friday, March 20, 2026 | 12:00 PM (CT)

The 2026 McKnight Visual Artist Fellowships, administered by Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD), support mid-career visual artists living and working in Minnesota. An independent jury of arts professionals will award six fellowships.

The two-year fellowship runs June 1, 2026–May 31, 2028 and includes:

• $25,000 unrestricted fellowship funding (paid in two installments)

• $3,500 in professional development funds

• $500 for professional documentation of artwork

• Access to MCAD facilities and library, plus 50% off one Continuing Education course per semester

• Five studio visits with national and local arts professionals

• Participation in a 1–2 week artist residency through Artists Communities Alliance partners

• Eight hours of consulting and support from Springboard for the Arts

Applicants are encouraged to review the application guidelines carefully before applying.

Info Sessions & Support:
Information sessions and one-on-one meetings are available, including an application overview with Program Director Keisha Williams.

🔗 Learn more and apply: https://mcad.submittable.com/submit

EVENT LINK: https://springboardforthearts.org/stories/recovery-resources-for-artists-and-culture-bearers/

FEE: Free to apply

Artist Resources & Relief: Minnesota

In response to ongoing community disruption and its impacts on artists and creative workers across Minnesota, this evolving resource list brings together emergency relief funds, creative business recovery support, calls for artist-led community projects, mutual aid networks, toolkits, and legal resources.

Compiled by Springboard for the Arts in collaboration with arts organizations and community partners statewide, these resources are intended to support artists through immediate challenges and longer-term healing, recovery, and connection. Offerings include emergency and small business relief, opportunities for community-based creative action, mutual aid and solidarity networks, training resources, and practical toolkits.

This list will continue to be updated as new resources become available.