Craft Residencies and Scholarships Supporting Artist Development

Craft Residencies and Scholarships Supporting Artist Development is sponsored by Arizona Commission on the Arts. This opportunity supports mission-aligned projects and measurable outcomes.

Artist Opportunity Grant | Arizona Commission on the Arts The application period for Fiscal Year 2027 Artist Opportunity Grants, Cycle B, is now closed. 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.

Download Grant Guidelines 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.

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 click “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 Please review the grant guidelines thoroughly before beginning your application. 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. Apply Now: Creative Youth Grants State Invests $2.

66 Million in Nonprofit Arts & Culture Sector Fiscal Year 2027 Grant Review Panel Meetings Apply Now: Creative Youth Grants A Fond Farewell to Bethanne Arts educators gather for inaugural Arts Learning and Leadership AZ Summit Creative Workforce Webinar Series Meet the 2026-27 AZ Youth Arts Council!

Report: Arts Access and Participation in Arizona Schools Poetry Out Loud: In Their Own Words National Arts in Education Week 2026 National Arts in Education Week 2026 Arizona Commission on the Arts Do you know a creative young person who could use some financial aid to achieve their artistic aspirations?

Creative Youth Grants give young artists money to develop their skills and pursue creative projects outside of regular school hours, including private lessons, art workshops, or new supplies and equipment! We're accespting applications through December 10, 2026.

View on Facebook (opens in a new tab) Share by Email (opens in a new tab) Arizona Commission on the Arts Welcome to day two of National Arts in Education Week with the Arizona Commission on the Arts!

Today, we look at Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest , a national arts education program and recitation contest for high-school students and teachers that seeks to foster the next generation of literary readers by capitalizing on the latest trends in poetry – recitation and performance. Registration is now open to educators and schools. Click through to learn more.

Poetry Out Loud: In Their Own Words | Arizona Commission on the Arts As we continue to celebrate National Arts in Education Week we look at Poetry Out Loud as documented by the young creatives of RE:FRAME Youth Arts Center and Creative Youth of Arizona! View on Facebook (opens in a new tab) Share by Email (opens in a new tab) Arizona Commission on the Arts Next week, September 13-19, is National Arts in Education Week! Are you prepared?

Click through for more info. National Arts in Education Week 2026 | Arizona Commission on the Arts National Arts in Education Week is an annual celebration of school-based arts programming, offering an opportunity to explore the impact of arts education! Organized by Americans for the Arts, Nationa...

View on Facebook (opens in a new tab) Share by Email (opens in a new tab) We imagine an Arizona where everyone can participate in and experience the arts. Our Creative Workforce webinar series continues on