Professional Development/Career Advancement Grant

Professional Development/Career Advancement Grant is sponsored by Wyoming Arts Council. This grant supports efforts by individual artists and organizations to build their capacity and advance their careers. Funds can be used for activities such as conference attendance, professional training, and equipment purchases.

Professional Development/Career Advancement Grant - WAC Professional Development/Career Advancement Grant Provides funding to Wyoming artists and organizations to build skills, expand capacity, and increase long-term impact in the creative sector.

Susan Moldenhauer Installation at Regis University Starting May 1, 2026, applications will be accepted in three annual cycles Round One: May 1 – June 1, 2026 for projects starting between July – Sept 2026 Round Two: Aug 1 – Sept 1, 2026 for projects starting between Oct 2026 – Feb 2027 Round Three: Jan 1 – Feb 1, 2027 for projects starting between March – June 2027 Supporting Growth for Wyoming Artists and Arts Organizations The Wyoming Arts Council’s Professional Development/Career Advancement Grant supports capacity-building efforts for both individual artists and organizations.

Professional development in the arts is the purposeful process of continuous learning, growth, and refinement of skills and knowledge. It includes the pursuit of opportunities that strengthen one’s craft and career. It allows artists and arts professionals to enhance their portfolio or practice and develop career readiness skills.

Professional development also strengthens communities and contributes to the sustainability of the arts and culture industry. Grant funds support project-based expenses with clear, tangible outcomes.

Examples include: Technical and digital capacity building Website development, technical support, and digital skills training Airless paint sprayers, kilns, lighting or sound equipment, musical instruments, and storage Easels, music stands, and similar items Project-specific liability insurance, performance space rental, web design, and consultant fees Artist branding, event marketing, website development or updates, and print or digital materials such as flyers, posters, or catalogs Teaching, learning new skills, and attending networking events or conferences Professional Development/Career Advancement Grant Guidelines Individual artists and 501(c)(3) nonprofit or government organizations are eligible to receive up to $1,000 in this grant category.

Organizations that did not receive a Community Support Grant are eligible to receive up to two Arts Council grants in the other grant programs for different programs/events, depending on criteria for each specific grant. Individual Artists can receive one Professional Development/Career Advancement Grant every other fiscal year. Every year, July 1st marks the start of a new fiscal year.

Individual Artists must live in Wyoming as their permanent residence 10 months of the year, be 18 years old or older, and not a full-time student pursuing high school, college or university art-related degrees. The Professional Development/Career Advancement Grant distributes financial support based on scores assigned by a panel of experts and arts professionals on a “Fund/No Fund” model using the evaluation criteria.

Grants will be available until funds are expended. All applications must be submitted a minimum of six weeks prior to the beginning of the project in which funds are being requested (the “Proposal Start Date” entered in your application). No cash match is required, and In-kind contributions will be reported on the final report.

Unfunded applications are not eligible to reapply until the following fiscal year. Before applying, all organizations must review the Wyoming Arts Council’s Grant Guidelines to ensure compliance and understand the application process. The Fiscal Year 2026 Professional Development and Career Advancement Grant application period is now closed.

Application Timeline (Starting Fiscal Year 2027) Starting in May 2026, the Wyoming Arts Council will being to offer three application cycles each year for this grant. Apply based on when your project will begin: If your project has a set start date, choose the cycle that matches that timeframe. If your project does not have a set start date, list a start date that is at least 6 weeks after you submit your application .

This timeline allows staff to review applications, complete panel evaluations, and ensure funding is in place before your project begins.

Round one: May 1 – June 1 for projects starting between July – September Round two: August 1 – Sept 1 for projects starting between October – February Round three: January 1 – February 1 for projects starting between March – June Award notification: Rolling Final Report due: 60 days after proposal end date listed on application Please review the full Professional Development/Career Advancement Grant Criteria for application preparation.

Download a copy of the Professional Development/Career Advancement Grant Application Guidebook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying with Clarity and Confidence for assistance with the application. Accessing Your Grant Application or Final Report For a new grant application or to access your final report for projects taking place from 7/1/21 to the current fiscal year: Contact Kimberly Mittelstadt, Creative Arts Specialist, below.