Artist Opportunity Grant

Through Artist Opportunity Grants (AOGs) the State of Arizona invests in one of its greatest resources: artists.

What kind of opportunities does this grant support?

This grant is open to artists of all disciplines and career stages. A variety of opportunities may be eligible as long as they have a significant impact in one or more of these areas:

• Introducing Your Work to New Audiences
  An opportunity to showcase your work in a way that expands your audience or raises your artistic profile.
• Developing New Skills
  An opportunity to grow your artistic abilities by participating in conferences, residencies, workshops, fellowships, master classes, or apprenticeships.
• Building Your Artistic Career
  An opportunity to strengthen your business skills, such as creating marketing materials, developing a website, covering professional fees (for lawyers, accountants, etc.), or investing in essential tools like equipment, materials, or rental fees.

What can the grant funds be used for?

You can use the grant money for various expenses related to your opportunity, including:

• Buying equipment, materials, or services needed for the opportunity
• Renting equipment, instruments, or space (such as studios or short-term facilities)
• Shipping, freight, or preparation costs
• Documenting your experience (such as photography or video)
• Travel costs necessary for participation (see funding restrictions for details)
• Registration fees
• Professional fees that support your artistic opportunity

Before You Apply

Before starting your application, consider these steps:

Review the Guidelines

The Grant Guidelines provide all the information you’ll need to prepare a successful application. Download/Print the Grant Guidelines

Request Accommodations

If you need assistance completing the application or participating in the process, contact Director of Artist Programs, Kesha Bruce, at kbruce@azarts.gov or (602) 771-6530. For example, we have been able to offer offline applications for those with poor internet connectivity or difficulty using computers for any reason. You can also find Plain Text and Spanish Language versions of the Guidelines on the grant website.

Prepare Your Narrative Responses

• You can either type your responses or upload audio recordings of your answers.
• Each question has a word limit (if typed) or a maximum recording length (if audio).
• If recording, keep it simple—just make sure your voice is clear. Fancy production isn’t necessary.
• Audio files must be in MP3 format (.mp3).

Many applicants find it helpful to draft their responses in a word processor before entering them into the application system. This helps with word count tracking and editing.

Set Up or Update Your SurveyMonkey Apply Account

You’ll submit your application through SurveyMonkey Apply.

• New applicants need to create an account at https://azarts.smapply.io/.
• Returning applicants should log in and update their information if needed.

For step-by-step instructions on creating or updating your account, visit the applicant resources page:

https://azarts.gov/grants/applicant-resources/.

Once you’ve read through the guidelines and completed these tasks, watch one of the Information Sessions provided by the grant manager. Register below. If you have any questions left about your funding category, eligible expenses, tips for a successful application, or tech issues, reach out to Delia Ibanez, dibanez@azarts.gov with written questions or to schedule a call.

How to Apply

When you’re ready “Apply Now” below.

APPLY NOW

• You don’t have to finish the application in one session.
• You can save a draft at any time and return later to complete or submit it.

Applicant Info Sessions

Leading up to the application due date, the Arizona Commission on the Arts will present a webinar-style information session to help prospective applicants in preparing competitive applications.

REGISTER

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• Guidelines: Fiscal Year 2025 Artist Opportunity Grant
• Lineamientos de la Subvention: Español
• Evaluation Rubric: Fiscal Year 2025 Artist Opportunity Grant