The Arlington County Individual Artist Grant for FY 2026 is a competitive funding opportunity provided by the Arlington Commission for the Arts. This initiative is part of the broader Arlington Arts Grants Program, which supports the County’s vision and values as defined in “Enriching Lives: Arlington Arts and Cultural Strategy.” The program is designed to foster a thriving and inclusive arts environment in Arlington by providing direct financial support to artists. It emphasizes artistic excellence, cultural equity, and community engagement through public presentations and other activities.
This grant program specifically supports individual artists working on innovative projects that aim to increase public access to the arts, enhance artistic quality within Arlington, and produce meaningful cultural experiences. Emphasis is placed on projects that demonstrate a strong commitment to equity or youth well-being. Four grants of $15,000 each will be awarded, offering artists substantial support to realize their projects during the grant period from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
All applicants are required to participate in a preparatory workshop or consult directly with the Grant Administrator. Workshops are conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams, with sessions scheduled for May 6, 8, and 29, 2025. Attendance or consultation is mandatory to ensure applicants fully understand the grant process and application requirements.
Each funded project must include at least one public event in Arlington directly related to the grant activity. Suitable events include exhibitions, performances, artist talks, educational seminars, or community outreach activities, aligned with the goals of accessibility and engagement. The grant guidelines emphasize the importance of visible public impact and a clear connection to the local community.
Applications for the FY 2026 Individual Artist Grant are accepted between April 29 and June 18, 2025. Applicants must ensure all requirements are fulfilled before the closing date. The application process includes detailed descriptions of proposed projects and how they align with the grant's goals and criteria.
For assistance or further inquiries, interested applicants can contact Arlington Cultural Affairs at 703-228-1850. All grantees are expected to credit Arlington County’s support in all promotional and public materials related to the funded project. The previous cycle’s awardees included Yassine el Mansouri, Girasol O'Neill, and Nancy Robinette, each receiving $15,000 for their work.
