The Futures Fund is a regranting initiative administered by The Luminary and funded by the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. Established in 2019, the program supports innovative, experimental, and forward-thinking artistic projects rooted in the St. Louis region. It is part of a broader national effort led by the Warhol Foundation’s Regional Regranting Program, which operates in more than 30 cities across the United States. Futures Fund remains one of the limited opportunities available for artists in the region to receive direct project support and encourages creative projects that deeply engage with the city’s unique historical and contemporary context.

Applications for the 2025 cycle (Cycle 7) will open in Spring 2025, offering one-time grants between $2,500 and $8,000. Projects should aim to address pressing societal issues, engage public audiences meaningfully, exemplify equity, and contribute to moving the region forward. Emphasis will be placed on projects that demonstrate lasting impact, originality, and relevance on both local and national levels. A strong preference is given to collaborative efforts and proposals that address sustainability in both environmental and social contexts, particularly those promoting equitable access across various demographics and geographies.

To qualify, the project lead must identify as a visual artist with a demonstrated practice in the visual arts. The fund supports various types of projects, including those that are collaborative and community-oriented, but does not specify whether applicants must be nonprofit entities or U.S. citizens. The detailed application questions and eligibility criteria are accessible through linked resources on the Luminary’s website.

The Futures Fund operates as an annual program and is currently in its sixth year, moving into its seventh cycle in 2025. It is structured to encourage open communication between applicants and the program organizers, and includes informational resources such as a budget template, info session recordings, and FAQs to support applicants through the process.

No application fee is required. Grant funds may be used for artist fees or stipends, as well as for equipment or digital/web-based projects. Once selected, grantees will receive disbursements directly from The Luminary. While the exact number of grants awarded each year is not specified, reporting requirements include updates on project outcomes and completion within a defined grant period, although specific dates for completion and final reporting are not detailed in the current announcement.

For those interested in learning more, visiting the Futures Fund section on The Luminary’s website is encouraged. The Luminary is located at 2701 Cherokee Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63118, and operates Wednesday through Saturday from 12 PM to 4 PM during the off-season.