Self-directed Art Practice Grant Program

The Wellness, Arts, and the Military (WAM) – Self-directed Art Practice (SAP) Grant is administered by ArtsWA, the Washington State Arts Commission. ArtsWA is funded by the Washington State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts and aims to support programs that improve quality of life through artistic engagement. The WAM initiative specifically targets U.S. military-connected individuals, including active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. It is designed to promote wellness and personal development through artistic self-expression. Research supports the therapeutic benefits of creative practice, and this grant seeks to expand access to those benefits by funding individual art pursuits that align with the goals of wellness and community engagement. The SAP Grant offers one-time funding of up to $3,000 per individual. The funds may be used to support activities such as in-state travel, artist workshop or retreat fees, art supplies, and childcare. No more than 20 percent of the total grant may be allocated toward living expenses. Funds must be used strictly within the period from January 1, 2026, to June 30, 2026. Grantees are required to attend the Design Thinking for Creative Expression online course, an 8-week program offered in either Tuesday midday or Thursday evening cohorts. The full grant will be disbursed in two equal payments in February and April 2026, contingent on attendance at the start and end of this course. Applicants must be residents of Washington State and fall into one of the following eligibility categories: active-duty service members, guardsmen, reservists, or veterans of the U.S. military; their spouses or registered domestic partners; or their children aged 18 or older. Each applicant must submit an art practice plan, three samples of their art, and a simple budget explaining the intended use of time and funds. Verification of military connection through appropriate documentation is required. The application must be submitted via Submittable between August 20, 2025, and October 1, 2025, by 11:59 PM PST. Only one applicant per household may be awarded, and preference will be given to first-time applicants and to those who are service members or veterans themselves. Disallowed uses of funding include out-of-state travel, development of mass-produced retail items, small business start-up costs, college tuition, and costs incurred outside the official grant window. Grantees must maintain clear documentation of expenses and submit photos or videos of their completed projects for a digital gallery. A final questionnaire detailing the applicant’s experience is due by July 31, 2026. Information webinars are available and recommended for all applicants, though attendance is not mandatory. There are no required pre-application steps like letters of intent. Applications will be reviewed following the October 1 deadline, and award notifications will begin on December 1, 2025. The primary contacts for questions or assistance include Bryan Bales, WAM Program Manager, at bryan.bales@arts.wa.gov or 360-468-0888; Daniya Baisubanova, WAM Program Specialist, at daniya.baisubanova@arts.wa.gov or 360-252-9979; and Gabriella Smith, WAM Administrative Assistant, at gabriella.smith@arts.wa.gov or 360-485-1277. All submitted applications are subject to Washington State's Conflict of Interest policies, and ArtsWA encourages transparency regarding any affiliation with its staff or advisors.

Clearly define project goals aligned with wellness and art; create a detailed and compliant budget; avoid jargon; gather all required documents early; articulate the physical, emotional, or social impact of the project; proofread thoroughly; upload all required support materials correctly