Research/Development Grants

The Big Field Fund Research/Development Grants are administered by Public Space One through the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts' Regional Regranting Program. These grants aim to support visual artists in eastern Iowa during the early stages of ambitious, forward-thinking projects that address key focus areas such as community engagement, equity, innovation, and environmental awareness. Each grant provides $3,000 in funding to artists developing projects that introduce new models for presenting visual art in Iowa, support under-resourced creative communities, engage with vulnerable or underutilized resources, or take multidisciplinary or risk-taking approaches that might otherwise lack traditional funding avenues. The funding supports not only project work but also professional development through skill-building, relationship cultivation, research, and prototyping. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, reside and plan to produce their project within 80 miles of Iowa City, and demonstrate an active artistic practice. They must also be able to complete the project activities within one year of award. Nonprofits, incorporated businesses, full-time students, and recent BFF Project Grant awardees are not eligible. Applications open June 1, 2025, and follow a two-stage process through the BFF Submittable platform. The first round application deadline is August 1, 2025. Selected applicants are invited to submit a second round application due October 1, 2025, which includes a detailed project description, budget, and support materials. Four grantees will be selected by a jury of Iowa and national artists and curators. In addition to the monetary award, selected grantees will receive non-financial support such as participation in a public award celebration, a grantee cohort gathering, a studio visit or consultation with an arts professional, and promotion through Big Field Fund’s communications. The final project activities must be completed by December 1, 2026, when final grant reports are also due. Questions about the opportunity can be directed to info@bigfieldfund.org. The opportunity is not rolling and is expected to recur annually, with the next cycle anticipated to open in June 2026.