Public Art Learning Fund

The Public Art Learning Fund, administered by the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA), provides direct professional development support to artists whose practices engage with public spaces. This initiative aims to strengthen the field of public art throughout the six New England states—Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont—by equipping artists with the resources, skills, and connections needed to contribute to more equitable and vibrant public spaces. The program offers grants ranging from $500 to $3,000 for professional development opportunities taking place between January 1 and December 31, 2026. These opportunities may include attending workshops, trainings, conferences, or other educational experiences that directly support the artist’s public art practice. Travel expenses are eligible only if the event is outside a commutable distance from the artist’s home. The funding cannot be used to support the creation or implementation of a public art project. To be eligible, applicants must be individual artists who both live and work full-time in one of the six New England states and who either already engage the public realm through their practice or are actively transitioning toward public artmaking. Additionally, applicants must maintain an active CreativeGround profile. Artists may not apply if they are currently funded under the Public Art Learning Fund or have an outstanding grantee report. A one-year waiting period applies after the successful submission of a final report. Priority is given to timely learning opportunities that clearly contribute to the artist’s public art development and address spatial and racial justice in public art. NEFA emphasizes equitable access to learning opportunities and seeks to fund artists from urban, suburban, and rural communities, especially those who may experience barriers due to race, gender, disability, age, geography, or economic background. Applications are due by Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Grants will be awarded in full at the beginning of the 2026 calendar year. All grantees are required to submit a final report within 40 days after the learning opportunity concludes. Failure to submit the report will result in ineligibility for future funding until resolved.

Focus on how the opportunity enhances your public art skills. Be clear on timeline and expected outcomes. Maintain an updated CreativeGround profile before applying.