Artistic Innovations Applications Close February 23

By Elizabeth Snell

Three female-presenting individuals dance with arms in dynamic shapes reaching up and out. The person on the left wears red dancewear, in the middle wears tan, and on the right wears blue. The background is black and lighting is very dark and dramatic.

Initiative awards up to $15,000 each to regional artists and organizations for experimental regional projects

Applications are open for Mid-America Arts Alliance’s annual Artistic Innovations grant, a program that since 2012 has awarded over $2 million to regional artists and creative organizations for the creation of new works of art. Artistic Innovations encourages the spirit of experimentation and exploration, exclusively engaging in-region artists in the creation of new, original works for audiences in M-AAA’s region.

Applications for the next round of grant awards are due Friday, February 23, 2024.

Through generous support from the National Endowment for the Arts, Artistic Innovations offers up to $15,000 in support of expenses incurred in the art-making process and premiere of these endeavors.

Who is it for?

The grant supports individual artists and nonprofit organizations in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas for projects that meet the eligibility requirements.

Last year, M-AAA awarded more than $189,000 through 14 grants for a variety of projects, including those in the disciplines of dance, film, literature, music, theater, and visual arts. Learn about past awards at maaa.org/artisticinnovations/pastawardees.

“Each year, we witness the remarkable ingenuity and daring experimentation put forth by organizations, collaborations, and individuals in our region,” says Christine Bial, director of arts and humanities grant programs. “The Artistic Innovations grant continually underscores the depth of creativity thriving in our communities, providing a platform for bold ideas to come to life and contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of our communities.”

All projects must take place between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, and are required to have two public-facing events. Applications will be peer reviewed by panels organized by artistic discipline.

For additional information and requirements, please see maaa.org/artisticinnovations.

Have questions?

M-AAA staff will be available to answer questions and provide application support online via Zoom Tuesday afternoons from 3:30–5:00 p.m. Central Time from January 30 to February 20.

Zoom registration information, helpful grant tips, and contact information for staff may be found in the application resources.

See all M-AAA news and stories.

Header photography: FY24 Grantee Stacy Busch’s “She Breathes Fire” in collaboration with Owen/Cox Dance Group. Dancers Mia Steedle, Marian Faustino, and vocalist Adee Dancy. Photography by Lindsay Clipner.

Elizabeth Snell Staff Writer

Elizabeth Stehling Snell serves as communications manager at Mid-America Arts Alliance. She specializes in nonprofit arts marketing and has a background in digital media and visual arts. She lives with her husband, son, and Beagle puppy in Kansas City, Missouri.