The Artistic Innovations Grant Program, offered by the Mid-America Arts Alliance (M-AAA), provides support for the development of new, original works in a six-state region encompassing Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. This program aims to encourage experimentation across various artistic disciplines and helps artists and nonprofit arts organizations create and present new work. Since its inception in 2012, the program has provided over $2 million in funding to support the creation of new art projects. The grants are made possible through funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

Through this program, M-AAA offers cost-sharing grants up to $15,000 to help cover expenses related to the production and premiere of new projects. Eligible applicants include individual artists and nonprofit arts organizations with 501(c)(3) status in the specified region. These grants are designed to help applicants with the costs of producing and presenting their projects, encouraging public engagement through various forms of presentation such as performance, publication, lectures, demonstrations, exhibitions, master classes, and workshops.

The program encourages applicants whose projects reflect new, original, or experimental ideas. Priority is given to those who serve underserved populations, including those limited by geographic, racial/ethnic, economic, or disability-related factors. M-AAA also encourages applications from artists and organizations that are applying for a grant for the first time. Projects must include the engagement of the public and center art, art-making, or artists as the core of the initiative. Acceptable disciplines include dance, film, literature, music, theater, and visual arts.

The timeline for the Artistic Innovations Grant Program includes a detailed application process. The application period opens on January 31, 2025, and the final submission deadline is March 13, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. CDT. M-AAA offers office hours through Zoom from February 3–28, 2025, to assist applicants with their submissions. The review process will be conducted by discipline-specific advisory panels, and applicants will be notified of their status by June 13, 2025. Award announcements and distribution will occur in July 2025, with projects eligible to begin after July 1, 2025. A final report is due by July 31, 2026.

The program is specifically intended to foster artistic innovation, experimentation, and the presentation of works that will benefit a broad audience. At least two grants will be awarded per state, ensuring a wide distribution of funding within the M-AAA region. M-AAA strongly encourages applications from rural and urban communities, as well as from underserved populations. M-AAA’s commitment to inclusivity is further reflected in its compliance with state and federal laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, ensuring that all grant recipients adhere to accessibility standards.