Catalyze Artist Grant

Catalyze Artist Grant is sponsored by Mid-America Arts Alliance. Offers practice-based funding, professional development, and coaching to artists in central, eastern Arkansas, and the Arkansas Delta.

* Artist Leadership Fellows * Folk & Traditional Arts Initiative * Regional Touring Program * Grant and Award Directory * Board of Directors Portal * Careers and Opportunitites * Rent Our Space or Parking Lot Join Our Mailing ListCalendar * [](http://www. facebook. com/kcmaaa) * [](https://www.

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bsky. social) # An investment in artists living in Central, Eastern Arkansas and the Arkansas Delta Applications Open on October 1 Combining money, mentoring, and management, the Catalyze™ program ignites change in the careers of individual artists. Catalyze fellowships of $10,000 are awarded annually to 25 artists, who may choose how best to use the funding in support of their creative practices.

Catalyze is a program of Mid-America Arts Alliance made possible through the support of the Windgate Foundation that provides practice-based grant funding, professional development, and coaching to artists of all disciplines in central, eastern Arkansas and the Arkansas Delta. **Applications open on October 1, 2026 and close December 1, 2026. ** **Have questions?

Join us for a virtual infosession October 14, 2026 at noon CST or November 10, 2026 at 5:30 p. m. CST.

** Interested in bringing the Catalyze program to your community? Contact [[email protected]](https://www. maaa.

org/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8decfff9e4fef9fee8fffbe4eee8fecde0ecececa3e2ffea) for more information. Applications Open October 1 The Catalyze grant is now available to creatives in 52 Arkansas counties in central, eastern and the Arkansas Delta.

Catalyze provides practice-based grant funding, professional development, and coaching to creatives working in any artistic discipline who: * Reside in the Arkansas counties of Arkansas, Ashley, Baxter, Bradley, Calhoun, Chicot, Clark, Clay, Cleburne, Cleveland, Conway, Craighead, Crittenden, Cross, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Faulkner, Fulton, Garland, Grant, Greene, Hot Spring, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lee, Lincoln, Lonoke, Marion, Mississippi, Monroe, Ouachita, Perry, Phillips, Poinsett, Pope, Prairie, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Searcy, Sharp, St.

Francis, Stone, Union, Van Buren, Woodruff, White, and Yell. * Have at least three years of engagement in a creative practice prior to the application due date. * Show a deep commitment to their work and show motivation to continue and further evolve and advance their career.

* Engage in an active strategic management process surrounding their practice. * Are interested in sharing their work and process as part of a network of artists in a peer learning environment. ## What Catalyze provides **Money:**Catalyze **practice-based fellowships of $10,000** are awarded annually to 25 artists, who may choose how best to use the funding in support of their creative practices.

Practice-based funding includes the ability to use grant funds for items such as childcare, rent, travel, equipment, and other items that are defined by the artists’ creative goals. **Mentoring:**Ongoing support is provided through **one-on-one coaching sessions** throughout the following year.

Program alumni join future Catalyze cohorts at the professional development retreat weekend to share their experiences and extend their **ever-broadening network of peer support**.

**Management:**Grantees actively **work under the guidance of Artist Peer Facilitators** to formulate their self-determined ideals of success and strategically plan how best to utilize the grant funding to achieve their goals in an amplifying professional development retreat weekend. Catalyze retreat participants, April 2026. Photography by RA Howard.

* **October 1, 2026:**Applications open * **December 1, 2026 at 5:00 p. m. CT:**Applications close * **March 2027:**Catalyze applicant notification * **April 2027:**Public announcement * **May 1-2, 2027:**Catalyze Retreat * **June 2027:**Funding distributed ($9,500) * **June 2027:**Applicant feedback provided upon request * **Aug.

2027:**Small Group Session #1 * **Nov. 2027:**Small Group Session #2 * **May 2027 – April 2028:**One-On-One Sessions #1 & #2 * **May 2028:**Final reports due * **June 2028:**Final funding distributed ($500) **Catalyze applications open on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 9:00 a. m.

, and close on Tuesday, December 1, 2026 at 5:00 p. m. Central Time.

** ###### Program Objectives The Catalyze program helps individual artists take their careers to the next level. It provides them with money, strategic guidance, and mentorship to help them achieve their goals. * **Money:**Artists receive a $10,000 award to help them grow their careers.

This practice-based funding lets artists decide how to use the money to achieve their goals. Artists can use the money for anything that helps them keep making art, like new equipment, travel, studio space, childcare, professional services, research, supplies, and savings. * **Mentoring:**Artists can choose from over one-hundred and fifty experienced M-AAA Peer Artist Facilitators for one-on-one mentoring sessions.

They can ask questions and get support for their art. They’ll have two 60-minute one-on-one sessions within the year after the Catalyze Retreat. ###### Applicant Eligibility * Be at least 21 years of age by the application due date.

* Be a full-time resident of the State of Arkansas and have established a minimum of one-year residency by the application due date in one or more of the following Arkansas counties: Arkansas, Ashley, Baxter, Bradley, Calhoun, Chicot, Clark, Clay, Cleburne, Cleveland, Conway, Craighead, Crittenden, Cross, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Faulkner, Fulton, Garland, Grant, Greene, Hot Spring, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lee, Lincoln, Lonoke, Marion, Mississippi, Monroe, Ouachita, Perry, Phillips, Poinsett, Pope, Prairie, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Searcy, Sharp, St.

Francis, Stone, Union, Van Buren, Woodruff, White, and Yell. * Remain a resident within the fifty-two county region for the entire grant period (May 2027 through May 2028). * Create work in any artistic discipline, including but not limited to dance, film, literary, music, theatre, and visual art.

* Have a resume that demonstrates at least three years of engagement in a creative practice prior to the application due date. The creative practice is not required to have taken place during consecutive years. Virtual activities are considered creative practice.

For the purposes of defining eligibility, “three years of engagement” refers to when the applicant began their creative practice independent of activities required in pursuit of an academic degree or other certification. * Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have non-resident status and provide a valid Social Security Number if selected for funding.

* Be in good standing with Mid-America Arts Alliance, with no delinquent reports and/or grant documents. * Not have received a grant of $1,000 or more through any other M-AAA granting program during its 2027 Fiscal Year (July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027). * May not have previously received a Catalyze grant.

* May not be a currently enrolled student in an undergraduate or graduate program. * May not be a full-time employee of Mid-America Arts Alliance or an immediate family member of a full-time employee of Mid-America Arts Alliance.

###### Applicant Requirements * Completed online application form * Artist Biography (100 words max) * Artist Statement (250 words max) * Artist Resume/CV (maximum 3 pages) * Narrative responses to the following questions: * Creative Practice Evolution: _Explain how your creative practice has evolved over the past few years. What have you been working on? How has your work changed?

Why have those changes happened? Have you faced any obstacles or limitations in creating your work? _(250-word maximum) * Future of Your Creative Practice: _Where do you envision your creative practice being in five years?

What are some self-determined goals you’ve set for your practice? _ (250-word maximum) * Fund Use : _If awarded a Catalyze Artist Grant, what plans do you have to take your creative practice to the next level? _ (250-word maximum) * Professional Development:_Given the requirements of this grant, how would participating in the Catalyze Retreat benefit your creative practice?

Imagine learning from a small group of like-minded peers, getting personalized mentoring from Artist Peer Facilitators, and expanding your network of regional artists. What unique skills or experiences can you share with your peers? _(250-word maximum) * Up to five artwork samples (images, audio files, video files, literary files, or URLs to audio, video, and/or literary files) (1MB maximum per file).

*Spotify, Instagram, Facebook or links to other platforms that require an account for viewing cannot be accepted.

* Work Sample Summary (1,000-word minimum) * Two Current Proofs of Residence: Current Arkansas driver’s license, recent bill from a bank, mortgage company, utility company, credit card company, doctor or hospital, bank statement, property tax bill, current valid homeowner’s or renter’s policy, or motor vehicle insurance card or policy, current valid Arkansas motor vehicle registration, 2025 tax filing (IRS or State of Arkansas) with sensitive information removed.

Panelists will be reviewing applications based on: * **_Artistry:_** Selected artists will demonstrate artistic excellence, broadly defined by the practitioners and norms in their discipline, and show a deep commitment to their work.

Selected artists will have an active creative practice in Central, Eastern Arkansas or the Arkansas Delta for a minimum of three years and show motivation to continue and further evolve in Central, Eastern Arkansas or the Arkansas Delta.

* **_Program Readiness:_**Selected artists will have the desire to advance their career and deepen their practice, engage in an active strategic management process surrounding their practice, as well as an interest in sharing their work and process as part of a network of artists in a peer learning environment.

* **_Impact of Program on Practice:_**Selected artists will clearly identify the ways in which Catalyze funds and the program will impact their careers and creative practices. These identified impacts should relate to previous challenges and/or desired futures. ###### Panelists Review Process M-AAA hires artists and arts professionals to serve as panelists.

Panelists work on their own to review each application based on our review criteria. Applications with the highest recommendations will move onto Step 2. All the recommended applications will go into a lottery, from which twenty-five grantees will be drawn.

* October 1, 2026, 9:00 a. m. (CST): Online Applications open * December 1, 2026, 5:00 p.

m. (CST): Online Applications close * October 1 – December 1, 2026: Application Support from M-AAA staff (Note: the M-AAA offices are closed on October 12th and from November 26-November 29, 2026 in observance of national holidays.)

* **Application Reviews:** * * December 2026: M-AAA staff reviews applications for eligibility * January 2027: Discipline-Specific Panel Reviews * * * March 2027: Applicant notification * May 2027: Applicant feedback provided, available upon request * **Grantee Important Dates:** * * March 2027: Selected Artists complete grant agreements and financial forms * April 2027: Selected Artists complete pre-Retreat work * April 2027: Public Announcements made by M-AAA * May 1-2, 2027: Catalyze Retreat * June 2027: Funding distributed ($9500) * Aug.

2027: Small Group Session #1 * Nov. 2027: Small Group Session #2 * May 2027 – April 2028: One-On-One Sessions #1 & #2 * May 2028: Final reports due * June 2028: Final funding distributed ($500) ###### M-AAA Policies and Procedures Grant recipients must comply with the Federal policies and legal requirements, statutes, and regulations as stated in M-AAA’s Assurance of Compliance. Grant awards are considered income.

Grant recipients are responsible for all tax obligations under federal, state, and local laws. M-AAA recommends that all recipients consult a tax accountant or local Internal Revenue Service office with questions or concerns regarding deductions and reporting. After the grant cycle ends, all grantees will be asked to fill out a final survey report.

This report will include the following questions: * How did you use your grant funds? What impact did this funding have on your creative practice and career trajectory? * What impact did the professional development experiences you participated in as a Catalyze Fellow have on your overall creative practices and career trajectory?

* Optional: documentation to demonstrate creative practice and career progress. ###### Catalyze Facilitators * **Kai Coggin**is the Inaugural Poet Laureate of Hot Springs, and author of five collections, most recently _Mother of Other Kingdoms_.

She’s a Certified Master Naturalist, a K-12 Teaching Artist with the Arkansas Arts Council, and host of the longest running consecutive weekly open mic series in the country—Wednesday Night Poetry.

Recently awarded the Don Munro Leadership in the Arts Award for Visionary Service, Coggin is the recipient of a 2024 Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellowship, a 2024 INTERCHANGE Community Grant, a 2023 CATALYZE grant, and twice named “Best Poet in Arkansas” by the Arkansas Times. * **Ben Grimes** is the Managing Artistic Director of Market House Theatre in Paducah, Kentucky.

A multifaceted theatre artist, administrator, educator, and U.S. Army veteran, he earned his BFA in Acting from Webster University and a Master’s in Public Service from the Clinton School. Ben founded Riverside Actors Theatre, using performance and storytelling to address trauma and support veterans and at-risk communities.

He has held leadership roles in Chicago, New York, and Little Rock, earning recognition from _Broadway World_ and the _Arkansas Times_. In 2023, he was named an inaugural Catalyze Fellowship awardee by Mid-America Arts Alliance. * **Candy Humphrey**: Music has never sounded so SWEET as the Soulful sounds of CandySoul.

She’s a vocalist with perfect pitch, excelling as a comedic actress, songwriter, & music producer. CandySoul has definitely been making a name for herself.

She’s achieved HOLLYWOOD success on American Idol, won 1st place on Showtime at the Apollo, ABC’s Match Game with celebrity host Alec Baldwin where her homemade skin moisturizer: Candy Butta was featured, and was on the TV show Beat Shazaam where she performed her ORIGINAL song with Grammy/Oscar winner Jamie Foxx! Remember the name, CandySoul: “Ear Candy for your Soul! * **CC Mercer Watson** is a magnetic gem from The Natural State.

She has a kaleidoscope of talent that includes being a Textile Artist, Actor, Activist, Poet, Playwright, Published Author, Found(her) of A BLACK SPACE, Lead Designer of Mercer Textile Mercantile… those passions being a conduit for uplifting voices of color and making marginalized populations visible. She is an alchemizer of cloth, culture, and storytelling.

In every thread of her being, she is weaving a tapestry of her ancestors, draped in Afro-futurism. * **Jennifer Perren** is an Arkansas artist known for her playful pottery and sculptures inspired by folk art and haunted objects. A Donaghey Scholar, she earned her BFA in printmaking from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

She completed a residency at Hot Springs National Park and later attended the Penland School of Craft. In 2023, she received the Catalyze Grant from the Mid-America Arts Alliance. She teaches clay classes at the Art School within the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts and exhibits her work at South Main Creative.

Her portfolio is available at www. jenniferperren. com.

###### Artist Services Program Staff * **Sarah Hearn** is a multidisciplinary artist and educator based in Norman, Oklahoma. Through explorations of biological life and natural phenomena, Sarah’s art practice inhabits two realms – one grounded in studies of life on planet earth, and another in an atmosphere of science fiction. She works fluently in the media of drawing, photography, installation, book making, and social practice.

Her artwork reveals a multitude of invisible worlds hidden in nature opening a path of discovery to empathetic interspecies learning/appreciation. Sarah frequently collaborates with fellow artists, scientists, and municipalities on rhizomic projects that expand the fields of art and the concepts of community. She earned a BFA from the College of Santa Fe in New Mexico and an MFA from Rochester Institute of Technology in New York.

* **Jade Osborne**: Jade is an arts administrator and an innovative creative person who is passionate about the arts and community. She is an multidisciplinary artist and experiential curator. Jade has performed and presented on stages in fourteen countries interlacing social practice/community outreach with each of her appearances.

She is an award winner and grantee of ArtsKC, KC & Chicago Fringe Festivals, Afest, Missouri Arts Council, COMBAT among others. She served as artist advisor for the new airport in Kansas City and is currently serving as Program Officer for M-AAA, Performing Arts Director for the Art in the Loop and Program Director for Summer in the City, public arts projects of the Downtown Council of Kansas City.

* **Diane Scott**: Diane Scott is an arts administrator, educator, and writer specializing in the development of resources and programming to support artists in the management of enduring artistic practices. Diane was the founding director and principal designer for the Artist INC professional development program.

Artist INC programs have been completed by more than 3,500 artists across eight states and dozens of communities over the past 16 years. Her book _Artist Entrepreneurship for Life: Making Art Work for You_ was released by Routledge in 2025. * **Kyla Strid** is a potter, educator, and arts administrator.

Kyla’s work has been shaped by residencies around the world and by consulting on an archaeological dig of a Minoan pottery workshop in Crete. Drawing from ancient Minoan forms and botanical patterns inspired by her own backyard, she creates functional pots that invite daily use while carrying a sense of timeless beauty that is rooted in the here and now.

When not in her studio, you can find her supporting fellow artists while serving as a Program Officer on the Artist Services Team at Mid-America Arts Alliance. ###### Applications Support and Resources * Click here to download our application guide. * Office Hours: October 1 – December 1, 2026.

You may schedule a zoom meeting during our office hours through Calendly. We encourage artists wanting to support to schedule sessions early, as they usually fill up close to the deadline. * For last minute questions, join us on Zoom for our Open Office Hours:Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 9:00 a.

m. – 5:00 p. m.

(CST) * If you’d prefer, you can fill out your application verbally with the M-AAA staff. We recommend that all information be prepared ahead of time. Please email us requests for verbal application support by Friday, November 13, 2026.

Feel free to download and use any or all of these instructional documents below. If you have any questions or need help, email us at: [[email protected]](https://www. maaa.

org/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection). * How to Write an Artist Bio * How to Write an Artist’s Statement * How to Write an Artist Resume/CV * Work Sample Summary Examples * How to Prepare for the Catalyze Grant Application. pdf ###### Virtual Information Sessions Learn more about the Catalyze grant and the application process by watching the online application workshop sessions.

Videos of the sessions will be made available online, so you can watch later if you aren’t able to attend. Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 12:00pm CST or Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 5:30pm CST Virtual Information Session from October 9, 2025 on YouTube. ###### Application Tips and Troubleshooting We encourage applicants to access the online application through the Google Chrome browser.

* On your computer, open Chrome. * At the top right, click More. Settings.

* Under “Privacy and security,” click Site settings. * Write your answers to the narrative questions in a word document (like Microsoft Word or Google Docs) and then copy and paste answers into the online application form. * Make sure **all** the files you’ll be uploading to the online application form (proof of residency, resume/CV, images, literary samples) are **less than 1MB in size**.

* Make sure **all** the files you’ll be uploading to the online application form are labeled without spaces or special characters. (For example, **FirstnameLastnameSample1. png**) * Double-check that you’ve typed your email address correctly into the online application form.

This is how you’ll access your saved application. * As you are working in the online application, save often! * Work well in advance of the **Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 5:00 pm CST** deadline.

If you’re going to have a technical problem, it always happens when the clock is ticking. If you have questions about the Catalyze Program, please contact: [[email protected]](https://www. maaa.

org/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#620310160b1116110710140b010711220f0303034c0d1005). At this time, we do not allow AI-generated artwork. We strongly discourage the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to generate answers to the narrative application questions.

It is, however, acceptable to use AI to proofread and edit your responses to character limits. M-AAA prohibits grant application reviewers from using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, including natural language processors, large language models, or other generative AI technologies. Uploading application materials to any Generative AI platform is strictly forbidden.

**WHEN ARE APPLICATIONS OPEN? ** * The fifth-year Catalyze applications open on October 1, 2026 and close December 1, 2026. **WHAT DOES THE GRANT PROGRAM INCLUDE?

** * $10,000 practice-based grant, professional development Retreat in Little Rock, AR, One-On-One Mentoring sessions with Artist Peer Facilitators, and Small Group meetings during the granting period. * Be at least 21 years of age by the application due date.

* Full time residents (minimum one year) of Arkansas counties of: Arkansas, Ashley, Baxter, Bradley, Calhoun, Chicot, Clark, Clay, Cleburne, Cleveland, Conway, Craighead, Crittenden, Cross, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Faulkner, Fulton, Garland, Grant, Greene, Hot Spring, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lee, Lincoln, Lonoke, Marion, Mississippi, Monroe, Ouachita, Perry, Phillips, Poinsett, Pope, Prairie, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Searcy, Sharp, St.

Francis, Stone, Union, Van Buren, Woodruff, White, and Yell. * Artists who retain residency within the fifty-two county region for the duration of the grant period (May 2027 through May 2028). * Artists who create work in any artistic discipline with at least a three year art practice outside of university.

* Artists who can commit to attending the Catalyze Retreat in Little Rock, AR from May 1-2, 2027. * Artists that are in good standing with Mid-America Arts Alliance and have not received another grant from M-AAA for more than $1,000 in the same grant year.

* Artists that have not previously received a Catalyze grant and who are not a full-time employee of Mid-America Arts Alliance or an immediate family member of a full-time employee of Mid-America Arts Alliance. **WHAT PROOFS OF RESIDENCE DO YOU ACCEPT? ** * We require two current proofs of residence.

Valid Arkansas driver’s license, recent bill from a bank, mortgage company, utility company, credit card company, doctor or hospital, bank statement, property tax bill, current valid homeowner’s or renter’s policy, or motor vehicle insurance card or policy, current valid Arkansas motor vehicle registration, 2025 tax filing (IRS or State of Arkansas) with sensitive information removed are all acceptable.

**HOW MANY GRANTS WILL BE AWARDED? ** * Each Catalyze cohort will consist of 25 artists per year. **WHY ARE COHORTS GEOGRAPHICALLY SPECIFIC?

** * Catalyze is made possible through the support of the Windgate Foundation, a private, family foundation based in Little Rock, Arkansas. Windgate’s goal is to advance contemporary craft and strengthen visual arts education in the United States. More information can be found at: www.

windgatefoundation. org. **HOW COMPETITIVE IS THE PROGRAM?

** * This program is highly competitive as we only have 25 program spots available for all artist applicants within 52 counties of Arkansas. We anticipate receiving at least 250 applications for the 25 available spots. **WHAT ARE YOUR SELECTION CRITERIA?

** * **_Artistry:_**Selected artists will demonstrate artistic excellence, broadly defined by the practitioners and norms in their discipline, and show a deep commitment to their work. Selected artists will have an active creative practice in Central, Eastern Arkansas or the Arkansas Delta for a minimum of three years and show motivation to continue and further evolve in Central, Eastern Arkansas or the Arkansas Delta.

* **_Program Readiness:_**Selected artists will have the desire to advance their career and deepen their practice, engage in an active strategic management process surrounding their practice, as well as an interest in sharing their work and process as part of a network of artists in a peer learning environment.

* **_Impact of Program on Practice:_**Selected artists will clearly identify the ways in which Catalyze funds and program will impact their careers and creative practices. These identified impacts should relate to previous challenges and/or desired futures. **WHAT KIND OF WORK SAMPLES DO YOU ACCEPT?

** * Up to five artwork samples (images, audio files, video files, literary files, or URLs to audio, video, and/or literary files) . jpg, . mov, .

mp3, . mp4, . png, .

pdf files accepted. (1MB maximum per file). *Spotify, Instagram, Facebook or links to other platforms that require an account for viewing cannot be accepted.

Some examples of acceptable URLs would be a link to an applicant’s website or to a google drive folder. **HOW ARE THE GRANTEES SELECTED? ** Catalyze grantees will be selected through a two-step process.

First, applications are reviewed by a panel of artists and arts professionals who will recommend which applications move on to step two. Next, recommended applications are placed into a lottery from which a cohort of twenty-five artists will be selected. **HOW ARE PANELISTS SELECTED?

** M-AAA is committed to having fresh and varied input from the ever-changing art world. Usually, a review panel has five people, mostly artists, arts administrators and arts enthusiasts. Panelists are paid for their time and applications are sent to panels based on artistic discipline: * Performing Arts (Theatre and Dance) **WHEN WILL I BE NOTIFIED?

** **HOW DO I RECEIVE FEEDBACK FROM THE PANELISTS? ** * Feedback can be provided for every applicant. If you want to receive feedback, you may select “Yes” to receive feedback at the end of your application.

If you are unsure if you requested feedback, please email us at: [[email protected]](https://www. maaa. org/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#87e6f5f3eef4f3f4e2f5f1eee4e2f4c7eae6e6e6a9e8f5e0).

Feedback will be made available in June 2027. **I’VE BEEN ACCEPTED INTO A COHORT. NOW WHAT?

** * Congratulations! Make sure you mark your calendar for the Catalyze Retreat in Little Rock, AR, May 1-2, 2027. The Artist Services team at M-AAA will be in touch to guide you through all steps of the Catalyze Grant program.

**HOW CAN I USE THE GRANT FUNDS? ** * Artists can use the grant money for anything that supports their creative practice. This includes things like equipment; travel for research, development, and performance; residencies; child care; studio space; creative projects; training; professional services; and living expenses to allow for creative work time.

**WHO WILL I BE WORKING WITH? ** * Artist Peer Facilitators, your fellow grantees, and the M-AAA Artist Services staff. **WHO ARE ARTIST PEER FACILITATORS?

** * Artist Peer Facilitators are artists from across the M-AAA region (Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas) who have been trained as facilitators in our professional artist program, Artist Leadership Fellows. **WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN A ONE-ON-ONE SESSION? ** * One-On-One sessions are a great chance to ask questions, set goals, chat about projects, and get feedback.

Grantees can choose from a list of Artist Peer Facilitators from all over the Mid-America region. These sessions are set up by grantees and Artist Peer Facilitators together, they can be done online, in-person or over the phone, and they happen after the Retreat weekend. **WHAT HAPPENS AT THE CATALYZE RETREAT?

** The Retreat weekend gives all current grantees a chance to come together as a group, to share working and community space in order to further develop practices and creative careers. Throughout the weekend, artists will work in both large and small groups, share meals, learn from each other, and build connections and a community. Each grantee will have private lodging and meals provided.

The Catalyze Retreat is a two-day professional development workshop that has four main goals: * To give you dedicated time and the processes to consider and plan for your Catalyze grant funds. * That you may meet your fellows and develop a community. * For you to feel validated, well cared for, and that you and your practices are valued.

* That you will gain the understanding of how the Catalyze grant works, the support it provides, and what you are required to do during your grant period. **DO I HAVE TO ATTEND THE CATALYZE RETREAT? ** * Yes, all selected grantees must attend the Catalyze Retreat in Little Rock, AR from May 1-2, 2027.

###### Grant Reviewers Needed We are in need of paid grant review panelists. Becoming a grant reviewer is a great way to give back to your arts community, gain perspective on the grant process, and make valuable connections with peers. **Mid-America Arts Alliance is seeking panelists to review applications for several grant programs in 2025 and 2026.

** **Artist Services Division (Artist INC, Catalyze)** **Artist INC**, a program of Mid-America Arts Alliance, is a cutting edge training program that empowers artists to take control of their careers. Gathering for one night a week for eight weeks, participants learn business skills specific to their art practice and how to apply those skills cooperatively with their peers. Artist INC programming takes place across the M-AAA region.

Reviews for Artist INC are ongoing throughout the year. **Catalyze****,** a program of Mid-America Arts Alliance, made possible through the support of the Windgate Foundation, provides $10,000 practice-based grant funding and professional development opportunities to individual artists of all disciplines in a 52-county region of central Arkansas and the Arkansas Delta.

Reviews for the Catalyze program will take place between January 8, 2027 through January 29, 2027. **Artist INC and Catalyze Panelist Requirements and Compensation:** Mid-America Arts Alliance relies upon artists and arts leaders to serve as panelists for each of our programs. Panelists must be able to commit to an independent review of applications.

Panelists must have reliable internet access and a computer capable of browsing and attending online meetings. The time commitment is approximately 3-5 hours during the review period and compensation is between $150-$450, contingent upon the number of applications. Submit your interest by filling out the Artist INC and Catalyze panelist inquiry form.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Artist Services team at: [[email protected]](https://www. maaa. org/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9afbe8eef3e9eee9ffe8ecf3f9ffe9daf7fbfbfbb4f5e8fd).

View full biographies here. Selected artists include a wide range of disciplines and perspectives. View full biographies here.

Selected artists include a wide range of disciplines and perspectives. View full biographies here. Selected artists include a wide range of disciplines and perspectives.

View full biographies here. Selected artists include a wide range of disciplines and perspectives. Applications Open October 1 ## Meet the Catalyze Fellows Catalyze 2026 ArtistsCatalyze 2025 ArtistsCatalyze 2024 ArtistsCatalyze 2023 Artists A program of Mid-America Arts Alliance, Catalyze is made possible through the support of the Windgate Foundation.

The Windgate Foundation was established in 1993 and is a private, family foundation based in Little Rock, Arkansas. Windgate’s goal is to advance contemporary craft and strengthen visual arts education in the United States. The foundation also supports children and youth in the State of Arkansas.

****Interested in sponsoring a Catalyze program to support your arts community? ****Contact [[email protected]](https://www. maaa.

org/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7e1f0c0a170d0a0d1b0c08171d1b0d3e131f1f1f50110c19) for more information. ###### Art & About: M-AAA's Catalyze Catalyze grant recipients