Artist Opportunity Grant (Cycle B)

Artist Opportunity Grant (Cycle B) is sponsored by Arizona Commission on the Arts. Artist Opportunity Grants (AOGs) help Arizona artists take advantage of unique opportunities that can significantly boost their careers.

Artist Opportunity Grant | Arizona Commission on the Arts The application period for Fiscal Year 2027 Artist Opportunity Grants, Cycle A, is now closed. We will begin accepting applications for Cycle B on August 6, 2026. A grant is a form of financial assistance.

The State of Arizona sets aside a certain amount of money to invest in projects that have strong potential for public benefit. Through Artist Opportunity Grants (AOGs) the State of Arizona invests in one of its greatest resources: artists. Artist Opportunity Grants help Arizona artists take advantage of unique opportunities that can significantly boost their careers.

Apply by September 24, 2026, for Cycle B funding. You must be an individual artist (not an organization). You can only apply once per cycle.

You must be at least 18 years old. You must live in Arizona. You can receive only one Opportunity Grant every two fiscal years.

The fiscal year is different from a calendar year and runs from July 1 of one year to June 30 of the next. Artists may request between $500 and $1,500 in funding. The number of grants awarded is dependent upon the amount of funds available.

No match is required. Download/Print the Grant Guidelines What kind of opportunities does this grant support? This grant is open to artists of all disciplines and career stages.

A variety of time-based opportunities may be eligible as long as they have a significant impact in one or more of these areas: Introducing Your Work to New Audiences An opportunity to showcase your work in a way that expands your audience or raises your artistic profile. An opportunity to grow your artistic abilities by participating in conferences, residencies, workshops, fellowships, master classes, or apprenticeships.

Building Your Artistic Career An opportunity to strengthen your business skills, such as creating marketing materials, developing a website, covering professional fees (for lawyers, accountants, etc.), or investing in essential tools like equipment, materials, or rental fees. You’ll need to explain how this opportunity will help advance your work.

It should be a new or evolving professional step, not something you’ve already done before. What can the grant funds be used for?

You can use the grant money for various expenses related to your time-based opportunity, including: Buying equipment, materials, or services needed for the opportunity Renting equipment or instruments Short-term rental space of studios or short-term facilities related to opportunity Shipping, freight, or preparation costs Documenting your experience (such as photography or video) Travel costs necessary for participation (see funding restrictions for details) Professional fees that support your artistic opportunity Grant funds cannot be used for any part of a project that takes place before the grant cycle start date or after the end of the fiscal year (June 30, 2027).

If your project timeline extends beyond the funding period, you can still apply—just make sure to request funds only for activities happening within the eligible timeframe. Funds are generally delivered 8-10 weeks after the necessary paperwork (award agreement, state W-9, and payment form) is submitted.

Earliest funding date for Cycle A: October 30, 2026 Earliest funding date for Cycle B: March 10, 2027 Before starting your application, consider these steps: The Grant Guidelines provide all the information you’ll need to prepare a successful application. Download/Print the Grant Guidelines If you need assistance completing the application or participating in the process, reach out to the staff contact listed at the top of this page.

Prepare Your Narrative Responses You can either type your responses or upload audio recordings of your answers. Each question has a word limit (if typed) or a maximum recording length (if audio). If recording, keep it simple—just make sure your voice is clear.

Fancy production isn’t necessary. Audio files must be in MP3 format (. mp3) .

Many applicants find it helpful to draft their responses in a word processor before entering them into the application system. This helps with word count tracking and editing . Set Up or Update Your SurveyMonkey Apply Account You’ll submit your application through SurveyMonkey Apply .

New applicants need to create an account at https://azarts. smapply. io/ .

For step-by-step instructions on creating or updating your account, visit the applicant resources page : https://azarts. gov/grants/applicant-resources/ . Once you’ve read through the guidelines and completed these tasks, watch one of the Information Sessions provided by the grant manager.

Register below. If you have any questions left about your funding category, eligible expenses, tips for a successful application, or tech issues, reach out to the staff contact listed at the top of this page. When you’re ready “Apply Now” below.

You don’t have to finish the application in one session. You can save a draft at any time and return later to complete or submit it. Leading up to the application due date, the Arizona Commission on the Arts presented a webinar-style information session to help prospective applicants in preparing competitive applications.

You can watch a recording of the info session below: Guidelines: Fiscal Year 2027 Artist Opportunity Grant Organizational Programs Senior Manager Resources posted here offer applicants general guidance related to the application process and our online application platform, SurveyMonkey Apply.

Grant Recipient Resources Resources posted here offer current grant recipients information related to managing Arizona Commission on the Arts grants.

Fiscal Year 2027 Grant Review Panel Meetings Show Arizona the Impact of a Grant Apply Now: Grants for arts Organizations, Festivals and Engagement Programs Call for Papers: “Arts and Culture in Arizona History” | Journal of Arizona History Governor Hobbs Appoints Show Low Resident to Arizona Commission on the Arts Exit Interview: Archana Gurudu, AZ Youth Arts Council Youth Coordinator Poetry Reading and Zine Workshop in Window Rock Apply Now: AZ Youth Arts Council Governor and Legislature Agree to Continue $2 million Investment in Arts and Culture Poet Laureate Offers Free Poetry Workshop in Yuma County Fiscal Year 2027 Grant Review Panel Meetings Creative Aging Workshop in Flagstaff Arizona Commission on the Arts We are excited to welcome a new addition to our governing commission!

Governor Hobbs has appointed Cynthia Whipple, a choir and drama teacher at Show Low High School, to the 15-member body that governs our work at the Arts Commission. Cynthia will assume the seat previously held by Nicole Dahl of Tucson. The Arizona Commission on the Arts extends our heartfelt thanks to Nicole for her years of service.

Governor Hobbs also reappointed re-appointed Ash Dahlke (Bisbee), Regina Ortega-Leonardi (Globe), and Otu Essen (Phoenix) to new terms on the arts commission.

Governor Hobbs Appoints Show Low Resident to Arizona Commission on the Arts | Arizona Commission on the Arts Arizona Commission on the Arts The Arizona Commission on the Arts is looking for creative, passionate, community-minded young people from across the state to apply to serve on the 2026-27 AZ Youth Arts Council. Sound like anyone you know? Applications are open through August 13 at http:/azarts.

gov! AZ Youth Arts Council | Arizona Commission on the Arts Established in 2019, the AZ Youth Arts Council serves as peer-review panelists for the Creative Youth Grant, advising the Arts Commission on investments that directly affect young people. Over seven.....

Arizona Commission on the Arts At the conclusion of her time as Youth Coordinator, we asked Archana Gurudu about her years serving on the AZ Youth Arts Council, what first drew her to apply, and the lessons she’ll carry forward! Applications are now open for the 2026-27 AZ Youth Arts Council. AZ Youth Arts Council Reflections Learn about the AZ Youth Arts Council from someone who's been there!

We imagine an Arizona where everyone can participate in and experience the arts. Apply now to represent your community on the AZ Yo