Art Exhibition Grant Program

The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) is offering a grant program to support the development and public presentation of visual art exhibitions. This initiative aligns with CAH's mission to foster artistic and cultural development within the District of Columbia by providing opportunities for local artists and curators. The grant aims to enhance the cultural landscape of D.C. through innovative and educational art exhibitions, utilizing CAH's exhibition space and virtual platforms. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are District resident curators and nonprofit organizations with curatorial capacity. The program seeks to empower these individuals and groups to develop and present compelling visual art exhibitions. The impact goals include providing opportunities for D.C. resident curators to showcase new works or bring existing exhibitions from other cities to the District, thereby enriching the cultural experiences available to local residents. The program prioritizes fostering innovative and educational art exhibitions. Key focus areas include supporting the presentation of visual art in a government facility and offering unique exhibitions and related programs for District residents. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number and diversity of art exhibitions available in D.C., greater visibility for local curators and artists, and enhanced engagement of District residents with the arts. Funding for individuals and new nonprofit organizations in FY25 can be up to $30,000, or $35,000 if working with a co-curator or curatorial mentee, with a grant period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. Eligibility criteria for individuals include being an artist, curator, or arts-related professional over 18 with prior curatorial experience, maintaining D.C. residency, and being in good standing with CAH. Nonprofit organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified, have a principal business office in D.C., be registered to do business in the District, ensure at least 51% of activities occur in D.C., and obtain Citywide Clean Hands certification. Colleges, universities, service organizations, foreign governments, and other DC/Federal Government agencies are ineligible.