The Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC) is currently accepting applications for its Grants for Artists: Professional Basics program. OVAC is dedicated to fostering creative excellence among visual artists in Oklahoma. This specific grant program supports the development of professional artistic practices, the creation of visual art for public presentation, and community-led art projects. The funding opportunity is specifically designed to aid individual Oklahoma-based artists who are working in visual mediums, curation, or art writing.

The Professional Basics grant provides up to $500 to eligible artists to cover essential professional development expenses. This can include costs for creating quality artwork samples, display and framing, shipping, travel to professional events, website development, and similar expenses that directly support the artist’s career growth and visibility. Applications are reviewed by a grants committee, which evaluates proposals based on the quality of the proposed project, the artist’s ability to complete the project, and the relevance of the project based on the artist’s existing portfolio.

Eligible applicants must be at least 21 years old, residents of Oklahoma, and must not currently be enrolled in a BFA or MFA program. Additionally, applicants must not have received funding from OVAC within the past year. Applications must include a completed application form, an artist resume or CV, an artist, writer, or curator statement (250 words), 5-10 artwork samples or video work (up to 3 minutes), an image list, a project timeline, a balanced budget where income equals expenses, and proof of secured or potential venues.

The application deadlines occur three times per year, falling on January 15, March 15, and October 15, with all applications due by 11:59 PM on those dates. Applications are reviewed shortly after each deadline, and applicants are notified of decisions within four weeks. Awarded artists receive payment approximately two weeks after notification and after submitting necessary paperwork. Funded projects must occur after the grant is awarded and must be completed within one year of receiving the funds.

Artists who have questions about the application process are encouraged to contact Ariana at OVAC via email at ariana@ovac-ok.org. Applications are submitted through Submittable, OVAC’s submission platform. Technical assistance with the platform is also available through Submittable directly.