Applications were open from May 19 - June 15 at 5 p.m.

May 20, 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

This virtual info session introduced the Artists Creative Fund (ACF), including eligibility, the application process, and the support available to artists. 

May 26, 6 - 7:15 p.m.

We joined in person at the Thomas K. McKeon Center for Creativity to learn how the Artists Creative Fund (ACF) can support your work. This session provided an overview of the fund, including eligibility requirements, the application process, and the range of support available to artists.

June 1, 1 - 2:30 p.m.

This hands-on workshop was designed to help you start—or refine—your application for the Artists Creative Fund (ACF)! We shared best practices to support writing processes, guided artists through exercises, reviewed the evaluation criteria, and answered questions along the way.

This session specifically covered:

• An overview of project descriptions and how to approach them

• What to include in your résumé

• Tips for selecting and uploading effective work samples

• The importance of budget details

• How to align your application with the evaluation criteria

June 4, 5:30 - 7 p.m.

This hands-on workshop focused on crafting clear and compelling project descriptions for your Artists Creative Fund (ACF) application. Project descriptions are often one of the most challenging components of an application—and we're here to help. This session provided strategies and tools to help you write concise, engaging project descriptions that effectively convey the essence of your proposed project.

June 5 - June 14

One-on-one application support was available for lead artists online via Zoom. Lead artists could schedule one 20-minute session to receive feedback on portions of their applications and ask questions for clarity or guidance.

Applications closed June 15, 2026 at 5 p.m. CDT

Applicants will be notified in August and the grant period runs September 2026 - April 2027. .

Applicants who were not selected for funding will have the opportunity to schedule one-on-one feedback sessions beginning in August 2026.