Artist Development Grants support artists at all stages of their careers. Grants can fund activities that enhance mastery of an artist’s craft or skills or that increase the viability of an artist's business. Funding may also support aspects of the creation of new work when the activity allows the grantee to accept a rare and important opportunity.
Eligible expenses for such activities include, but are not limited to:
- advanced study of technique or practice with a mentor
- attending a professional conference to build business or artistic skills or knowledge
- contracting professional services including photographic documentation of work, contract preparation or business incorporation, creation of accounting systems, developing e-commerce on a website, creation of marketing materials, etc.
- marketing, planning, purchasing some materials, or renting studio space (outside of your home) to create new exhibitions or performances
- travel within the United States
Applications are evaluated in two areas: impact and budget. Priority is given to first time grantees and proposals for rare or unique opportunities.
Who May Apply
Individual Vermont artists who:
- have been residents of Vermont for a minimum of one year prior to the application deadline and are residents at the time the award is granted. Residency means that Vermont is your primary residence, and is the address you use for legal forms, state income taxes, car registration, driver’s license or state issued ID, and/or voter registration
- are eighteen years of age or older at the time of application
- have submitted all required reports on any prior Council grants
- are practicing artists. The Vermont Arts Council defines a practicing artist as: A person that intentionally creates or practices art who:
- is committed to devoting significant time to artistic activity, as is possible financially
- works in an artistic discipline such as visual arts, crafts, performing arts (including music), literary arts, media & design arts, and multidisciplinary arts
Vermont artist groups who:
- have one member who meets all of the above requirements and is assigned as representative of the group
Who May Not Apply
- Artists whose projects involve activities for which college credit is given
- Artists who have received any other Arts Council grant in the same fiscal year to support the same project
- Artists who have received an Artist Development Grant between September 2022 and June 2023
- Nonprofits and organizations
Applicants may answer narrative questions with either written or recorded audio/video formatting options.
Grant amounts range from $250-$2,000. For examples of previously funded projects, visit our list of
recent grantees.
Application Deadline
Sept. 6, 2022 and Jan. 31, 2023 at 1 p.m.
Grantseeker Workshop
Wednesday July 13 at 4 p.m. online
