artist innovation grant overview
The Artist Innovation Grant provides funding to Marshall County artists who are expanding and growing their artistic practices, with a desire to share their work with the community.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 22, 2025 11:59 PM
PAYMENT: Up to $3,000
The Artist Innovation Grant provides funding to Marshall County artists who are expanding and growing their artistic practices, with a desire to share their work with the community.
Successful applicants will create a public project, program, performance or event that creatively interprets one of the five placemaking themes identified in the Marshalltown Arts and Culture Master Plan. While some ideas can be found in the Arts and Culture Master Plan, artists are encouraged to freely interpret these concepts. It is likely applications may address more than one theme.
Placemaking Themes include:
GRANT DETAILS
The Arts + Culture Alliance supports artists of all disciplines. Whether you’re an emerging artist, working professionally in the arts, a passionate hobbyist, or still finding your creative identity – this grant could offer you support.
Eligible Applicants
This grant is open to Marshall County Artists at least 18 years of age or older.
Ineligible Applicants
- Individuals who currently have an open grant contract with the ACA
- Individuals that have received grants from the ACA and are not in compliance with reporting or other requirements
Eligible Activities
- New artwork/performance
- Creative Placemaking events/activities
- Community engagement artwork, event, or activation
- Public indoor or outdoor installation
- Art and/or cultural education programs
Ineligible Activities
Ineligible activities include, but are not limited to, the following types of activities:
- Projects that discriminate against people because of their age, race, creed, gender, handicap, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity or national origin
- Projects to be completed and not shared with the public in some way, shape or form
- Projects/artworks that have already occurred or have already been completed
- Artworks that are not original
- Fundraiser, benefit activities or annual campaigns
- Political activities, organizations or campaigns, along with lobbying activities
- Faith based programming or purposes or projects that exclusively serve religious purposes
- Application Opens | March 24, 2025
- Application Deadline | April 22, 2025 11:59 PM
- We highly encourage questions to be addressed well in advance of the application deadline
- Please note, we will not be available for questions after 5 PM on the day of the deadline.
- Funding Decision Notifications | May 2, 2025
- Applicants are encouraged to refrain from contacting staff for application status updates during the funding decision process
- Eligible Funding Period | May 3, 2025 – December 1, 2025
- The Eligible Funding Period officially begins upon the artist’s completion of the grant contract/MOU. We will review with all awardees immediately following decision notifications.
- All expenses must be incurred within the Eligible Funding Period.
- All grantees must complete their proposed artwork, program, or project by December 15, 2025.
- Final Report Deadline | January 31, 2026 11:59 PM
Interested artists should submit the online application no later than the application deadline. Applications will not be accepted in any other format. Late, incomplete or ineligible applications will not be accepted.
The grant application requires:
- Artist Contact Information
- Application Questions
- CV / Resumé (optional)
- Three representative work examples (optional)
Successful applicants will demonstrate the relationship between the grant funding, the artist’s practice, and the Arts and Culture Master Plan. Finalists will be chosen by the Arts + Culture Alliance Board of Directors.
Applicants must request an amount not to exceed $3,000. Payments will be made upon receipt of a signed contract, prior to the work or project associated with the grant.
Upon completion of the project, artists will be responsible for completing a report that provides the Alliance with useful information about the success of the project and this new granting initiative.
Questions Include:
- Describe how you were successful in activating your chosen placemaking theme*
- How did your project reach the Marshall County community*
- Describe how you spent the funds and how it aligned with your original plan from your application*
- Lessons learned and key takeaways*
- Approximately how many people did you actively engage*
- Quote from the artist*
- Quote from community members about your work
- Feedback about the grant and process
- Who engaged with your project
- Names of partners/collaborators in the project (list of names/organizations)
*Required Question
QUESTIONS?
Have an idea but not sure if it is eligible for this grant? Contact the ACA’s Executive Director, Amber Danielson, at director@artsandculturealliance.org well in advance of application deadline if you have any questions regarding the program.
SUPPORT THE ARTS
Together, with your support, we can create opportunities for a thriving and vibrant community. Make a 100% tax deductible donation* online today.
*The Arts + Culture Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. If you have any questions, please contact us.