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M-AAA’s Artistic Innovations Offers $15,000 Grants for Experimental Arts Projects

By Elizabeth Snell

Woman plays a harp onstage with a musical ensemble and a video projection of a pine forest seen in the background.

Artists and nonprofit arts organizations in Mid-America Arts Alliance’s six-state region have an exciting opportunity to bring bold, new projects to life through the annual Artistic Innovations grant program. This initiative supports groundbreaking work across all artistic disciplines, encouraging experimentation and exploration.

What is the Artistic Innovations Grant?

M-AAA’s Artistic Innovations grant program provides cost-sharing grants of up to $15,000 to help artists and organizations in the region to create new, original works of art. 

Since its inception in 2012, Artistic Innovations has awarded over $2 million to support new art projects, enriching audiences across the region. Whether your expertise lies in dance, film, literature, music, theater, or visual arts, this grant is a chance to turn bold ideas into impactful creations.

Who can apply?

Artists and nonprofit arts organizations in M-AAA’s six-state region: Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and the Native Nations that share this geography. Grant funds may be used for expenses incurred starting on or after July 1, 2025, and must be totally expended on or by June 30, 2026. All disciplines are eligible to apply.

Current Artistic Innovations grant recipients for FY25 are not eligible to apply for the current FY26 Artistic Innovations grant opportunity. 

When to apply?

Applications open January 30, 2025 and close at 5:00 p.m. CDT on March 13, 2025. Grants will be announced in July 2025.

How to apply?

View the grant guidelines, sign up for office hours, and apply on M-AAA’s website at maaa.org/artisticinnovations

The application process includes:

  1. Reviewing the application guidelines and requirements.
  2. Submitting a proposal outlining your project’s goals, budget, and timeline.
  3. Ensuring your project meets eligibility criteria, including in-region artist engagement and public event requirements.

Get support for your application

To help applicants succeed, M-AAA staff will host Zoom sessions to answer questions and provide guidance. These sessions will be available weekdays from February 3 to March 5, 2025. For more details on registration and tips, visit the application resources page. Grant materials are available in alternative accessible formats upon request.

What types of projects are funded?

In 2024, M-AAA awarded more than $184,000 through 13 grants, funding innovative projects in disciplines ranging from literature to theater. These grants have brought remarkable works to audiences in both urban and rural communities. 

Explore past awardees and their projects at maaa.org/artisticinnovations/pastawardees.

Watch the video about recent awardee Loop38.

Why apply for Artistic Innovations?

This grant provides a platform for artists and nonprofit organizations to:

  • Push boundaries with experimental projects.
  • Expand their audience reach through public events.
  • Contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of the region.

Grants through Artistic Innovations are supported with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Want to know about more opportunities that support the arts?

Get the scoop on other opportunities for artists and arts organizations in our region by subscribing to M-AAA’s monthly newsletter

 

Photography credit: Loop38 harpist Caitlin Mehrtens performing Longleaf at the MATCH festival in Houston, Texas. Loop38 was awarded an Artistic Innovations grantee last year.

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