Grant Opportunity: Visual Arts Fund

In 2026 the Visual Arts Fund will award $60,000—six $10,000 grants—to artist-organized projects in the Twin Cities metro region. The VAF supports the development of projects and initiatives that engage the public with visual art happening outside of established arts venues.

Many artists currently produce exhibitions and installations in temporary spaces, start new publications, and organize visual arts focused events without the support of an institution or commercial gallery; the VAF will help them develop these activities into more ambitious projects and promote them to a wider audience.

Grants will provide the time and resources artists need to fully realize a wide array of innovative and diverse projects. Proposals must name a lead organizer and can include any number of artists as collaborators; individuals or groups may apply.

The 2026 Visual Arts Fund grant application will open online on September 1st. Submissions are due Saturday, September 26 by 5:00 pm CDT.