The ArtSpark Grant Program is a competitive grant opportunity designed to support individual artists in the Acadiana region by providing funding, technical support, and entrepreneurial training. The program is administered by the Acadiana Center for the Arts and is funded through the Lafayette Economic Development Authority and the National Endowment for the Arts. ArtSpark is open to emerging, mid-career, and mature artists across various artistic disciplines, including visual arts, craft, traditional arts/folklife, photography, performing arts, literary arts, film, media arts, and interdisciplinary arts.

The program prioritizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, with a particular focus on empowering Black artists, Indigenous artists, artists of color, and artists with disabilities. Funding is intended to support the creation of new work with a community outreach component, promoting economic development through artistic innovation. Eligible projects may also include professional development opportunities to advance the artist’s career.

The funding cycle runs from May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026. Applications open on January 15, 2025, and the final application deadline is March 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Award notifications will be made the week of April 21, 2025. Funded artists must attend mandatory compliance meetings and are encouraged to participate in Opportunity Machine’s business development workshops, which help artists treat their creative practice as a business.

Applicants must be individual artists residing in Acadiana’s 8-parish region: Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, and Vermilion Parishes. They must be at least 18 years old and have documented artistic practice. Funding amounts vary by career stage, with emerging artists eligible for $1,000-$2,500, mid-career artists eligible for $2,500-$5,000, and mature artists eligible for $5,000-$10,000.

Applications are reviewed by a panel of artists, community leaders, and business professionals based on artistic merit, artistic excellence, and community outreach impact. Projects must be new works and include a public outreach component such as a performance, exhibition, workshop, or community event. Funded projects must also comply with federal grant requirements associated with the NEA.

For more information, artists are encouraged to contact the Community Engagement Department at community@acadianacenterforthearts.org or by calling (337) 233-7060. Draft application reviews are available until March 2, 2025.