Regional artists and organizations can apply for up to $15,000 from the Mid-America Arts Alliance
New for this Artistic Innovations grant cycle, individual artists can receive grants with no matching funds required.
The following announcement is based on a press release from the Mid-America Arts Alliance.
Individual artists and nonprofit arts organizations in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and the Native Nations that share this geography can now apply for grants of up to $15,000 to create and present new artistic work through the Mid-America Arts Alliance Artistic Innovations grant program.
Applications are open now through 5 p.m. Central Time Thursday, September 24.
“Artists and nonprofits in our region have ambitious ideas that can inspire communities and open up new possibilities,” said Christine Bial, director of Arts & Humanities Grant Programs at Mid-America Arts Alliance. “With the right support, those ideas can grow—reaching new audiences, traveling to new places, and sometimes becoming work that continues for years.”
New this year, individual artists are not required to provide matching funds, making the full grant amount available without the need to secure additional support. Artistic Innovations Grants for Individual Artists are made possible through M-AAA’s strategic reinvestment of a gift from Yield Giving.
Nonprofit arts organizations may also apply for grants of up to $15,000. Nonprofit arts organization grants continue with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Since 2012, Artistic Innovations has awarded more than $2 million to support the creation of new art and bring new artistic experiences to audiences throughout the region.
Who Can Apply?
Individual artists and nonprofit arts organizations based in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and the Native Nations that share this geography are eligible to apply. Projects may represent any artistic discipline.
Funded projects must take place during the eligible grant period, January 1, 2027, through June 30, 2027, and meet program requirements, including applicable requirements for in-region artist engagement and public events.
How to Apply
Individual artists and nonprofit arts organizations have separate guidelines, eligibility requirements, and grant applications.
- Individual artists should select Artistic Innovations Grants for Individual Artists
- Nonprofit arts organizations should select Artistic Innovations Grants for Organizations
Applicants should review the complete grant guidelines and eligibility requirements for their selected grant before submitting an application. Both applications include a proposal describing the project’s goals, budget, and timeline and must demonstrate that the proposed project meets Artistic Innovations eligibility requirements.
Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
Grant guidelines, application resources, office hours, and the online application are available at maaa.org/ArtisticInnovations.
MAA staff will also offer virtual office hours to answer questions and provide guidance during the application period. Grant materials are available in alternative accessible formats upon request.
Applicants may sign up for virtual office hours via https://calendly.com/deybrown-2/new-meeting.
About Artistic Innovations
Since 2012, Artistic Innovations has supported artists and nonprofit arts organizations in creating new, original work across artistic disciplines. The program encourages experimentation and exploration and helps bring new artistic experiences to audiences in urban, rural, and Tribal communities throughout M-AAA’s six-state region.
Learn more about Artistic Innovations and explore previously funded projects at maaa.org/ArtisticInnovations/PastAwardees.
About Mid-America Arts Alliance
Mid-America Arts Alliance strengthens and supports artists, cultural organizations, and communities throughout Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and beyond. To learn more about grants, programs, exhibitions, and fellowships, visit www.maaa.org and follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Announcements are submissions from arts and cultural organizations and community members. They are published at the discretion of SHOUT editors and may be lightly edited. Send press releases and other announcements to emily@shoutwichita.com.
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