State of the Arts Grants Program

The St. Johns Cultural Council administers the Tommy Bledsoe State of the Arts Grant Program, an annual local funding opportunity that supports artists and arts organizations in St. Johns County, Florida. Established to recognize and sustain creative development across artistic disciplines, the program honors Tommy Bledsoe, a long-time board member, musician, and advocate for arts education. In celebration of the Council’s 25th anniversary, the 2025 cycle offers $25,000 in total funding divided into two $5,000 awards and ten $1,500 awards for eligible applicants. All grantees must reside in or be based within St. Johns County and must attend the award ceremony held on December 9, 2025, at The Waterworks in St. Augustine. The program’s objective is to strengthen the local cultural ecosystem by funding projects in arts, culture, and heritage, as well as professional development opportunities for individual artists. Eligible projects include initiatives in disciplines such as visual and performing arts, music, dance, literature, theatre, film, humanities, and folk arts. Public schools may apply for new or significantly expanded programs, particularly those integrating the arts with other subject areas. Proposals emphasizing arts education, outreach to under-served audiences, or public art creation receive priority consideration. The grants are designed to be accessible, with no matching requirement and a straightforward online submission process. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Cultural Council’s online portal between October 1 and October 31, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Applicants are encouraged to request an optional technical review by email at least ten days before the deadline. Notifications will be issued within 30 days following the close of submissions. Funded activities must take place and funds be expended within St. Johns County during the defined grant period, not exceeding one year from award notification. Late or incomplete submissions are deemed ineligible, and multiple applications for the same project are not permitted. Grant funds may be used for production expenses, materials, project staff compensation, artist or consultant fees, and for individual artists, professional development tuition or travel costs. Insurance is also an allowable cost for public art projects. However, the program does not permit expenditures for capital improvements, debt reduction, fundraising activities, hospitality, or costs incurred outside the grant period. Schools applying for artist-led programs must include letters of support from principals and collaborating artists. Publicity materials must display logos of both the St. Johns Cultural Council and the Florida Division of Arts and Culture, acknowledging the State of the Arts Grant Program. Evaluation is based on five weighted criteria: Artistic and Educational Merit (40 points), Management Capability (20 points), Impact to Target Audience (30 points), Marketing Plan (5 points), and Other Financial Support (5 points), for a total of 100 possible points. Each proposal is assessed by a review panel of qualified professionals. Grantees must provide two weeks’ notice of public events and submit a detailed final report within 60 days of project completion, including documentation and three high-resolution images. Failure to complete reporting obligations disqualifies applicants from future funding rounds. Questions and requests for assistance should be directed to grants@historiccoastculture.com or 904-808-7330. The Tommy Bledsoe State of the Arts Grant Program is offered annually, with applications opening every October. Its continued recurrence provides consistent support to local artists and educators while honoring the legacy of community arts leadership in St. Johns County. The Cultural Council encourages projects that celebrate diversity, creativity, and accessibility in cultural expression across the region.

Strong proposals demonstrate artistic merit, community impact, and management capability; priority given to under-served outreach and arts education.