The City of San Antonio’s Department of Arts & Culture is offering the FY 2026 Artist Grants to support San Antonio-based professional artists in the creation of new work. These grants provide annual awards of $7,500 and $15,000 for artists working in various disciplines, including literary arts, media arts, multi-disciplinary arts, performing arts, and visual arts. The program allows artists to apply individually or as part of a collective or ensemble, offering financial support for artistic development and presentation.

The primary goal of the Artist Grants is to foster the local arts community by providing direct financial assistance to artists. The program aims to promote the production of new works and support artists in showcasing their projects to the public. The funding is designed to help professional artists sustain their careers and contribute to San Antonio’s cultural landscape through creative expression in various artistic disciplines.

Funding can be used for the creation of new work, from conceptualization to public presentation. Artists must demonstrate their commitment to their craft and provide samples of past work to qualify. The funds may support material costs, production expenses, and other project-related expenditures necessary to complete and exhibit the work. The grant does not cover general operating expenses unrelated to project completion.

Eligible applicants must be professional artists residing in San Antonio and working in one of the specified disciplines. To apply, artists must first create a profile in the San Antonio Artist Registry, including details such as a biography, artist statement, resume, and work samples. Only applicants who meet eligibility criteria during the Intent to Apply phase will be granted access to the full application.

The grant application process consists of three main steps: (1) submitting an Intent to Apply form between January 6, 2025, and February 7, 2025; (2) receiving an eligibility confirmation and accessing the application, which opens on January 13, 2025; and (3) submitting the final application by February 21, 2025. Applications are reviewed by a panel between March and April 2025, with funding recommendations announced in June 2025. Final approval by the City Council is expected in mid-September 2025, and the grant term will run from October 1, 2025, to March 31, 2027.

Applicants will be evaluated based on artistic merit, feasibility of the proposed project, and the applicant's professional history. The Department of Arts & Culture will oversee the selection process, ensuring that funded projects align with the city’s vision for a thriving arts community. Informational sessions will be offered to help artists understand the application requirements and process.

For further details, applicants can review the official application documents and guidelines available on the City of San Antonio’s website. Inquiries can be directed to the Department of Arts & Culture via email or phone.