The Art Project Grant, administered by the Iowa Arts Council under the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), supports the creation and presentation of high-quality arts and cultural projects that expand opportunities for Iowans to access and engage with the arts. The program is funded through state appropriations from the Iowa Legislature and supplemented by a federal grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

This grant is open to both individual artists and organizations. Eligible individual applicants must be Iowa residents at least 18 years of age. Eligible organizations include Iowa-based nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, Iowa schools, and government agencies at all levels that are physically located in the state. The program offers separate applications and guidelines for individuals and organizations to ensure tailored support and expectations.

The Art Project Grant operates on a biannual cycle, with two rounds of applications per fiscal year. For FY26, the spring round has a deadline of April 22, 2025, and the fall round deadline is September 23, 2025. Applicants must apply through the designated online portals, with separate links available for individual artists and organizations. All applicants are encouraged to review the specific guidelines applicable to their category, which include detailed information on eligibility, permissible use of funds, required reporting, and evaluation criteria. Application questions and scoring rubrics are also included in the guidelines.

Interested applicants are encouraged to schedule a meeting with the appropriate program manager for guidance. Elizabeth Ferreira manages grants for artists, while Jennie Knoebel handles grants for organizations. Both provide support in navigating the application process and ensuring alignment with program goals.

Grant recipients are required to submit a final report detailing the outcomes and community impact of the funded project. The Art Project Grant is a core offering of the Iowa Arts Council and plays a vital role in enriching Iowa’s cultural landscape by empowering artists and organizations to produce accessible and meaningful artistic experiences.