The Lifelong Arts Engagement Grant, offered by the Arizona Commission on the Arts, supports arts learning projects designed for adult learners of any age and intergenerational projects within community settings. The program funds projects that foster meaningful engagement in artistic practices and provide opportunities for creative expression in safe and nurturing environments. These projects should take place in accessible community spaces such as arts venues, community centers, senior centers, and residential facilities. They must emphasize sequential, hands-on learning that develops artistic skills and creative expression. Eligible artistic and cultural disciplines include, but are not limited to, dance, literary arts, media arts, music, theatre, traditional and folk arts, and visual arts.

Organizations can apply for funding amounts ranging from $2,500 to $5,000. There is no cash match requirement for this grant. The funds can be used for expenses related to project execution, including instructor fees, materials, venue rentals, and other project-related costs. The grant is intended to support well-structured arts learning projects that define clear objectives, outcomes, and evaluation methods.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, units of government, schools, libraries, and tribal entities. Individual artists and for-profit businesses are not eligible to apply. Funded projects must align with the program’s focus on lifelong arts engagement and take place within Arizona.

The application deadline for the grant is April 24, 2025, at 11:59 PM. The panel review process will take place in June 2025, with exact dates and times to be announced. Grant awards will be announced in August 2025, and the funding period will run from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. The Arizona Commission on the Arts offers applicant resources, including video guides and information sessions, to assist applicants in preparing their proposals.

Applications are evaluated based on the strength of the project’s design, alignment with the grant’s objectives, feasibility, and the applicant’s ability to deliver arts learning experiences effectively. A panel review process determines final award decisions. The Arizona Commission on the Arts also provides guidance on funding restrictions and project compliance requirements.

For more information, applicants can contact Elisa García-Radcliffe, Director of Arts Learning, at the Arizona Commission on the Arts. The Commission’s office is located at 417 West Roosevelt Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85003-1326. The office can be reached by phone at (602) 771-6501 or via email at info@azarts.gov. Office hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.