The Arts Project Support (APS) program for fiscal year 2026, offered by the Indiana Arts Commission (IAC), provides funding for public-facing short-term arts projects or a series of arts activities within the state of Indiana. The program aims to promote accessibility to arts experiences across all counties of Indiana, focusing particularly on historically underserved geographies and populations. APS grants are designed to fund activities such as performances, exhibits, arts festivals, cultural planning, arts learning for specific populations like youth or older adults, and public art projects.

The program is open to a range of eligible applicants including nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organizations, 501(c)(6) tourism entities, local units of government, libraries, K-12 schools, and colleges/universities providing community arts learning experiences or services to high-priority geographic counties in Indiana. Nonprofit organizations applying must be incorporated in Indiana and must serve Indiana audiences. Fiscal sponsorship is an option for unincorporated nonprofit groups planning arts projects, though pre-approval is required.

Grant applicants may request up to $4,000, and no matching funds are required. The funding is meant to cover a variety of project expenses, including artist fees, program supplies, and facility rentals. IAC will prioritize funding projects from each of Indiana's 11 regions, with particular attention to underserved areas and smaller applicant budgets. The application process includes a draft review option for first-time applicants. The review process itself is highly competitive, with applications evaluated based on project quality, community benefit, inclusion, accessibility, and effective project management.

The program operates with two application cycles: a Spring cycle for the grant period of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, with an application deadline of March 4, 2025; and a Fall cycle for the period from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026, with a deadline of September 9, 2025. Detailed instructions, eligibility requirements, and an online application portal are available through the Indiana Arts Commission website.

IAC staff and Regional Arts Partners provide guidance throughout the application process. It is important for applicants to meet all deadlines, as late applications are not accepted. Following the application deadline, grantees are required to submit a final report detailing their project activities and the use of IAC funds. The report is due by July 15, 2026 for the Spring cycle and by January 15, 2027 for the Fall cycle.

For assistance with eligibility or technical questions, applicants can contact IAC’s grants team or reach out to their designated Regional Arts Partner. Information on eligibility and application access can be found through the IAC’s online portal.