Grants for Artists

Individual Artist Fellowships are awarded for artistic quality to Delaware creative artists working in the visual, performing, media, folk, and literary arts. Due to high numbers of applications and limited funds, the program is highly competitive. Fellowships are designed to enable recipients to purchase equipment and materials, allocate working time, or fulfill other needs that will allow them to advance their careers (excluding foreign travel and lobbying). Fellowship recipients are required to present examples of their work to the public during their Fellowship year. Applicants select between Emerging or Established categories. The Masters Fellowship is available in select disciplines on a three-year rotating basis to artists who meet specific criteria.

The Fellowship program is administered in partnership with Mid Atlantic Arts (MAA). MAA identifies out-of-state arts professionals to serve as potential jurors and administers the jurors’ reviews of the applications. Awards are $5,000 for Emerging; $8,000 for Established; and $12,000 for Masters.

The guidelines and application for Fiscal Year 2026 is available now. The deadline will be August 1, 2025.

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Artist Opportunity Grants are awarded on a competitive basis to support unique professional and artistic development and presentation opportunities for artists. Examples include: materials to complete work for a specific show or program; the cost to rent a facility for a performance; study with a master for a specified period of time. Evaluation criteria include: anticipated impact on the artist’s work or career; financial feasibility and need; marketing plans; and uniqueness of the opportunity.

Applicants can request up to 80% of the opportunity cost not to exceed $1,000.

Quarterly Deadlines:

• January 2 for activities occurring between February 15 and May 15
• April 1 for activities occurring between May 15 and August 15
• July 1 for activities occurring between August 15 and November 15
• October 1 for activities occurring between November 15 and February 15

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