Special Opportunities: Arts Forward Grant Now Open
Apply for up to $5,000 to support arts operations and community engagement projects, or up to $1,000–$2,000 for conference attendance.
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Get matched →- Deadline
- rolling, apply anytime
- Entry fee
- Free
- Award
- $5,000
- Location
- Tennessee
- Exhibition window
- Aug 1, 2026 → Jun 1, 2027
About
Overview
The Tennessee Arts Commission awards Special Opportunities: Arts Forward grants to support projects that strengthen arts operations and expand community engagement, as well as attendance at the 2026 Grantmakers in the Arts Conference. Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted.
Project Timeline
Projects may occur between August 1, 2026 and June 1, 2027.
Eligible Applicants
Nonprofit arts organizations, nonprofit non-arts organizations, and entities of local or state government. Applicants may receive only one Special Opportunities grant per fiscal year—either a general project grant or the GIA Conference grant, not both.
Funding Amounts
- General projects: up to $5,000
- 2026 Grantmakers in the Arts Conference: up to $2,000 for organizations sending a minimum of two representatives; up to $1,000 for individual Tennessee residents
Eligible Project Types
Short-term consultations or technical assistance; engaging professional touring artists for performances and educational activities; arts participation projects such as community workshops and collaborative art-making; small equipment or supply purchases (for nonprofit arts organizations only).
Conference Eligibility
The 2026 Grantmakers in the Arts Conference takes place October 18–21 in Memphis, TN. Eligible expenses include registration, travel, and lodging at the GSA per diem rate.
How to Apply
All applications are completed and submitted on the Commission's online grants system. Commission staff is available year-round to assist with the application process and provide feedback on draft proposals in advance of deadlines.
Contact
Tennessee Arts Commission, 320 6th Ave N., Nashville, TN 37219; Phone: 615-741-1701. For accessibility accommodation requests, contact Kim Johnson, Director of Arts & Health, 615-532-9797.
- Award
- Up to $5,000 for projects; up to $2,000 for organizations sending two representatives to 2026 Grantmakers in the Arts Conference; up to $1,000 for individual Tennessee residents attending the conference
- Entry fee
- Free to enter
- Entries per artist
- Up to 1
- Theme
- Projects that strengthen arts operations and expand community engagement through consultations, touring artists, educational activities, community workshops, and collaborative art-making; also support for attendance at the 2026 Grantmakers in the Arts Conference in Memphis.
- Eligibility
- Nonprofit arts organizations, nonprofit non-arts organizations, and entities of local or state government; applicants may receive only one Special Opportunities grant per fiscal year.
- Audience
- Nonprofit arts organizations, nonprofit non-arts organizations, entities of local or state government, and individual Tennessee residents
Every listing links to the organizer's official page. Always confirm deadlines, fees, and entry rules there before you apply.