Creative Youth Grant - Arizona Commission on the Arts

Overview

The Creative Youth Grant is a funding opportunity created and reviewed by the Arizona Commission on the Arts' AZ Youth Arts Council. It provides financial support to young artists ages 12-17 to develop new skills or advance their artistic practice outside the traditional school day. This may include private lessons, attending a workshop, or buying supplies and equipment.

Key Dates

• Application Opens: February 9, 2026, 12:00 AM (MST)
• Application Deadline: March 30, 2026, 11:59 PM (MST)
• Funding Period: July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027
• Next application period: Spring 2027

Eligibility

Eligible applicants must be young artists ages 12-17 who live in Arizona. Applications that are developed by adults will be ineligible for funding. Parents, guardians, or teachers may not apply for the young artist.

Award Amount

Individuals can request between $250 and $500 based on eligible expenses.

Eligible Uses of Funds

• Fees for private lessons or workshops
• Materials or supplies related to your artistic practice
• Equipment, instruments, or technology related to your artistic practice
• Travel costs

Application Requirements

• Narrative: Tell about yourself and your artistic practice; describe how you will use the grant funds; provide a timeline of proposed activities or purchases
• Work Sample: Submit 3 minutes of recorded audio, 3 minutes of recorded video, 6 images, or 3 pages of double-spaced text or 3 poems
• Work Sample Narrative: Explain how the submitted work sample relates to your proposal and why you chose it
• Budget: List all expenses related to your proposal; indicate grant amount requested ($250-$500); if expenses exceed amount requested, explain how remaining costs will be paid

Review Process

Your application will be reviewed by a panel made up of members of the AZ Youth Arts Council. The panel will evaluate your application based on quality of proposal, potential impact, and viability. As funding is limited, not all applicants will be awarded a grant.

Accommodations & Support

If you require accommodation in completing the application or otherwise participating in the grant application process, contact Arts Learning Coordinator Chaz Salazar by phone at (602) 771-6517 or by email at [email protected].