Artist Opportunity Grants

The Artist Opportunity Grants, administered by the Delaware Division of the Arts, are competitive awards designed to support Delaware-based artists in their professional and artistic growth. These grants are intended to provide funding for short-term, unique opportunities that have a significant potential to advance an artist’s work or career. The program specifically encourages artists to pursue new projects, residencies, professional development experiences, or presentation opportunities that they would otherwise be unable to afford. Eligible applicants must be legal residents of Delaware for at least one year, at least 18 years old, not currently enrolled in a degree-granting program, and not active recipients of the Division’s Individual Artist Fellowship. Artists who have received an Opportunity Grant must wait one year before applying again, with preference given to first-time applicants. Proof of residency is required through documentation such as a Delaware driver’s license, utility bill, or lease agreement. Applicants must also register through the Delaware eSupplier portal to receive payments. Applicants may apply under one of two grant categories: Professional and Artistic Development or Presentation Opportunities. The first category supports learning and development activities such as studying with a mentor or participating in a residency, while the second covers presentation-focused activities like exhibition-related expenses or rental of space or equipment. While travel expenses cannot be covered by grant funds, they must be included in the proposed budget. Grant funds cannot be used for ongoing employment activities, political contributions, or lobbying. Artists may request up to 80% of the cost of the opportunity, not to exceed $1,000. Applications are evaluated on the impact the proposed opportunity may have on the artist’s career, financial feasibility and need, marketing plans, and the uniqueness or immediacy of the opportunity. Required components include a project narrative, budget, resume, relevant documentation, and samples of past work. Applications are submitted via the state’s online SmartSimple portal. Applications are accepted quarterly with deadlines on January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1. Each deadline corresponds to a specific activity window, and artists may only apply twice in a calendar year without prior approval from the Division Director. Applications are reviewed by staff and final decisions are made by the Division Director. Notification is typically sent within four weeks, and payments are disbursed about two weeks after notification. Grantees are required to adhere to the Division’s Statement of Assurances, including public recognition of support and submission of a final report within 30 days of project completion.

Review and prepare Delaware residency documentation and eSupplier registration early, as delays may affect submission. Ensure budget reflects 80% max support and excludes travel.