FY26 Folklife Artist Grants

The Nevada Arts Council's Fiscal Year 2026 Folklife Artist Grant (FLA) aims to support traditional arts projects by individual folk artists and culture bearers who are part of culturally specific communities within Nevada. This funding opportunity is intended to assist in preserving and transmitting folk and traditional arts through projects that engage communities either through learning or public presentation. Projects can include apprenticeships, group learning sessions, cultural reclamation, exhibitions, concerts, and other relevant forms that showcase and sustain traditional practices. Eligible applicants must be individual artists who are Nevada residents, at least 21 years old, and not currently enrolled in a degree program related to the proposed project. Furthermore, applicants must have resided in Nevada for at least one year prior to the grant application and must be a member of the community whose traditions they seek to represent. A prerequisite for application is consultation with the Folklife Program staff to confirm project eligibility. Grant awards can be up to $3,000, with no matching funds required. These funds may be allocated to a wide range of expenses including artist fees, facility costs, up to $500 for permanent equipment, consumable materials, production costs, marketing, and travel. Funds can be disbursed as an advance or reimbursed post-project, contingent on the submission of appropriate documentation aligning with proposed expenses. The funding period spans from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, with applications open from May 1, 2025. Applications must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the proposed project date and are reviewed for completeness, adherence to guidelines, and artistic merit. Grants are awarded in the order received, subject to availability of funds. Applicants are advised to gather all required narratives and supporting materials before starting the application. These include ID and residency proof, narrative responses detailing the traditional arts practiced and project plans, a budget table, artistic work samples, and at least two letters of community support. Additional documentation such as marketing materials, evaluation forms, and contracts may also be required. Assistance with application preparation is available through the Nevada Arts Council. For inquiries or to confirm project eligibility, applicants should contact Brad McMullen, Folklife Specialist, via email at bmcmullen@nevadaculture.org or phone at 702-486-3739. Translation and language assistance are available upon request by contacting grants@nevadaculture.org.