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ActiveNorthwest Arkansas Council Foundation · 2026

Creative Exchange Fund (CXF)

Quick Facts

Agency: Northwest Arkansas Council Foundation
Funding: Varies by program stream
Deadline: Check Source
Status: Active
Eligibility: Arts and culture organizations and individual artists in Washington and Benton Counties, Arkansas.

About This Grant

Creative Exchange Fund (CXF) is sponsored by Northwest Arkansas Council Foundation. Annual grant program supporting arts and culture organizations and individual artists in Northwest Arkansas through five funding streams: Mixtape Music Series, Producers, Artist Residencies, Platform, and Spectra.

View Original RFP

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Official Opportunity Details

Extracted from the official opportunity page/RFP to help you evaluate fit faster.

The Medium Announces 37 recipients for the 2025/2026 Creative Exchange Fund - CACHE Press enter to begin your search The Medium Announces 37 recipients for the 2025/2026 Creative Exchange Fund By Archetype Productions No Comments One of the Region’s Only Programs Offering Funding and Space to Take Creative Risks — $411K Awarded Since 2022 SPRINGDALE, AR — The Medium is pleased to announce the 2025/2026 cohort of their Creative Exchange Fund (CXF), a group of 37 groundbreaking artists and cultural producers who will bring transformative work to the heart of Northwest Arkansas in downtown Springdale.

With support from the Tyson Family Foundation, CXF projects receive funding, free use of The Medium’s creative spaces, documentation of their programs, and technical and promotional assistance from staff.

Since launching in 2022, the Creative Exchange Fund has awarded $411,500 to 128 people and helped bring more than 90 creative programs to life at The Medium, establishing Downtown Springdale’s Arts District as one of the most vibrant and promising creative spaces in Northwest Arkansas. Now in its third year, the Creative Exchange Fund plays a critical role in sustaining and advancing the region’s creative landscape.

With expanded funding, increased accessibility, and enhanced support across all five of its funding categories, CXF continues to spark new creative projects, connections, and ideas in the Downtown Springdale Arts District.

“The Creative Exchange Fund is one of the most impactful programs we offer at The Medium, not just because of the work it funds, but because of the brilliant people it brings into our space,” said Amber Perrodin, Artist & Community Manager at The Medium.

“These 37 artists and cultural leaders represent some of the most urgent, vibrant, and community-rooted creative work happening right here in our region and we’re so excited to host them here at The Medium. ” One of this year’s recipients, Lena Regina Smith, shared how the program is already making an impact on her practice.

“The Creative Exchange Fund has given me the space, encouragement, and support to dream even bigger,” said 25/26 CXF recipient Lena Regina Smith. “As an artist navigating a rare, progressive eye disease, being welcomed into a community that values inclusion and imagination is deeply meaningful. This opportunity is helping me turn challenges into creative power.

” This year’s projects will begin in the fall of 2025 and continue through the summer of 2026. For more details on the Creative Exchange Fund, including an archive of past artists, project descriptions and upcoming public events, visit https://themedium. art/cxf .

Share Share Share Share Pin Be a part of the CACHE community. Arkansas Creative Calendar Site image credits: Acadia Kandora, Anita Fields, Aricka Lewis, Brittany Smith, Buffalo (Image 1), Buffalo & Nick Gibson (Image 2), Cory Perry, Devang Thakore, Elizabeth Salazar, Eloa Jane, Leon Niehues, Max Grubb, NWA Ballet Theatre, Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation, Tram Colwin

Eligibility Requirements

Arts and culture organizations and individual artists in Washington and Benton Counties, Arkansas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for Creative Exchange Fund (CXF)?

According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Arts and culture organizations and individual artists in Washington and Benton Counties, Arkansas. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.

Who funds Creative Exchange Fund (CXF)?

Creative Exchange Fund (CXF) is funded by Northwest Arkansas Council Foundation. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.

Which states are eligible for Creative Exchange Fund (CXF)?

This opportunity targets applicants in Washington and Arkansas. Check the official notice for exact location requirements.

How do I apply for Creative Exchange Fund (CXF)?

Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.

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U.S. Mission to Zimbabwe

Grants.govDeadline Passed

Annual Program Statement

1. Project Background, Goals, and Objectives The Public Diplomacy Section invites proposals for programs that support one of the following U.S. Embassy priority program areas listed below. Applicants are strongly encouraged to propose collaborative approaches and programs that integrate multiple priority areas. Priority Program Areas/Goals: Applicants may submit a proposal to address one of the program goals below. Proposals should focus on one or more of the priority outcomes, but applicants may also recommend their own objective. Priority Program Areas: · Commercial Diplomacy and U.S.-Zimbabwe Trade · Artificial Intelligence for improved prosperity · Cybersecurity · Technology Literacy and Resilience · Free Speech · American Excellence in education, media, sports, creative industries, civil society GOAL 1. FREE SPEECH AND OPEN EXPRESSION Promote democratic principles including freedom of speech and civic participation; particularly if they share best practices for citizen advocacy or explore the challenges modern media houses face in a digital economy and the ethical standards needed to gain public confidence. Project Audience(s): Organizations and individuals that reflect American values, policies and priorities Priority Outcomes(s): Applicants may focus on one or more of the outcomes listed below. Applicants are encouraged to propose additional objectives and innovative activities that address the priority program areas. Outcome: A more informed and media-literate Zimbabwean public that can identify and resist disinformation, with stronger independent media institutions operating transparently and ethically. Strengthening independent media in Zimbabwe advances U.S. strategic interests in promoting open, stable societies across Africa. GOAL 2. ADVANCE U.S.- ZIMBABWE COMMERCIAL TIES AND ECONOMIC PROSPERITY Advance economic prosperity; particularly connecting social entrepreneurs and the creative community with online marketing tools. Project Audience(s): Organizations and individuals that reflect American values, policies, and priorities Priority Outcomes(s): Applicants may focus on one or more of the outcomes listed below. Applicants are encouraged to propose additional objectives and innovative activities that address the priority program areas. Outcome: Increased bilateral trade activity, expanded market access for U.S. goods and services, and a growing cohort of Zimbabwean entrepreneurs with direct ties to U.S. businesses and platforms. Deepening commercial relationships with Zimbabwe creates new markets for American exports, strengthens U.S. economic influence in the region, and reduces Zimbabwe's economic dependence on adversarial partners. This directly supports the America First economic agenda and commercial diplomacy priorities. GOAL 3. HARNESS EMERGING TECHNOLOGY AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR DEVELOPMENT Empower Zimbabweans to leverage American innovations in technology, AI, and digital tools, to drive economic growth, improve livelihoods, and improve digital trade opportunities between the United States and Zimbabwe. Project Audience(s): Organizations and individuals that reflect American values, policies, and priorities. Priority Outcomes(s): Applicants may focus on one or more of the outcomes listed below. Applicants are encouraged to propose additional objectives and innovative activities that address the priority program areas. Outcome: A growing base of Zimbabwean professionals and institutions equipped to adopt, adapt, and deploy emerging American technologies - including AI - for economic and social development, using U.S.-developed platforms and frameworks. Promoting U.S.-developed technology standards and platforms in Zimbabwe expands American technological influence and market share, and builds a digital ecosystem aligned with U.S. values of openness, security, and innovation. GOAL 4. EXPAND U.S.-ZIMBABWE PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS AND PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE TIES Deepen bilateral relationships through targeted workshops, alumni engagement, and exchange partnerships that advance shared solutions and reinforce American values and influence. Project Audience(s): Organizations and individuals that reflect American values, policies, and priorities. Priority Outcomes(s): Applicants may focus on one or more of the outcomes listed below. Applicants are encouraged to propose additional objectives and innovative activities that address the priority program areas. Outcome: Strengthened alumni networks and new professional cohorts with sustained engagement with U.S. counterparts, resulting in collaborative projects, cross-sector partnerships, and ongoing people-to-people dialogue. Strong professional networks create durable channels of U.S. influence and goodwill in Zimbabwe. Alumni of U.S. exchange programs consistently demonstrate greater alignment with U.S. foreign policy interests and serve as credible advocates for American businesses, institutions, and values within their professional and social communities. Funding Opportunity Number: AF-HAR-FY26-03. Assistance Listing: 19.040. Funding Instrument: CA. Category: O. Award Amount: $10K – $15K per award.

$10K – $15K per awardDeadline: Sep 13, 2026 (passed)

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