Arts in Rural Places Grants

The Arts in Rural Places Grant program, administered by South Arts, provides targeted support for organizations situated in rural, isolated, or small communities within the nine-state South Arts region. Open to organizations in these communities, the Arts in Rural Places Grant program offers expedited awards of up to $3,000 supporting community engagement projects. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through April 30, 2026, allowing applicants to submit proposals at any time prior to the deadline, provided they do so at least 60 days before their project start date. South Arts is committed to cultural equity and regional inclusion by funding arts experiences that are locally accessible, particularly in underserved areas facing challenges related to geographic isolation, outmigration, socioeconomic barriers, or inadequate infrastructure. This grant opportunity focuses on engaging Southern artists through projects that feature direct interaction with the public. Funded activities must include at least two public-facing events, such as performances, workshops, exhibitions, or master classes, with no fewer than two hours of engagement. Eligible artistic disciplines include film, traditional arts, visual arts, performing arts, and literary arts. Artists may reside within or outside the applicant’s state but must be based within the South Arts region. Importantly, the program supports artist fees only and mandates a dollar-for-dollar cash match; for instance, a grant of $3,000 requires a $3,000 match for a total project budget of $6,000. Projects must take place between October 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026. While the application process is streamlined, prospective applicants are encouraged to review eligibility details carefully. Only 501(c)(3) nonprofits and official units of local, county, or state government may apply. Fiscal sponsorship is not allowed, and for-profit entities and individuals are not eligible. Applicants must also possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Organizations that received a South Arts Presentation, Traditional Arts Touring, or Express Grant in FY24 or FY25 are ineligible to apply. The application process is hosted on South Arts’ Salesforce-based portal. Required materials include an artist contract or letter of agreement, biographies or resumes for the guest artists, and relevant work samples—ranging from audio/video submissions to written documents and images depending on the discipline. Supporting documents, such as reviews or letters of support, may also be submitted. The grant may only support one artist or ensemble per application, and the same project cannot be supported by multiple South Arts grants in the same year. South Arts evaluates applications based on four criteria: Artistic Excellence (25%), Artistic Merit (30%), Project Impact (35%), and Capacity (10%). Projects should reflect thoughtful community engagement, with strong planning by both the applicant and artist. Events must be accessible to all participants, including individuals with disabilities, and may be delivered in-person, virtually, or through a hybrid model. Religious institutions may apply, provided their projects are non-proselytizing. The program does not fund benefits, fundraisers, or indirect project costs. This grant opportunity encourages new applicants and aims to broaden participation in arts funding across the South. With expedited review and notification (within four weeks of submission), Arts in Rural Places Grants offer a streamlined path to bringing enriching arts experiences to underserved communities. Questions should be directed to Program Director Nikki Estes at 404-874-7244 x816, especially if eligibility is uncertain. The grant period concludes June 30, 2026, and funding is contingent upon continued program availability.

Prioritize community engagement and clear public benefit; ensure Southern artist is from eligible states and not affiliated with applicant.