What is it?

The application period for Fiscal Year 2027 Artist Opportunity Grants, Cycle B, is now open!Apply by September 24 for activities taking place between December 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027. A grant is a form of financial assistance. The State of Arizona sets aside a certain amount of money to invest in projects that have strong potential for public benefit.Through Artist Opportunity Grants (AOGs) the State of Arizona invests in one of its greatest resources: artists. What is it?Artist Opportunity Grants help Arizona artists take advantage of unique opportunities that can significantly boost their careers.Due DateApply by September 24, 2026, for Cycle B funding.Who can apply?You must be an individual artist (not an organization).You can only apply once per cycle.You must be at least 18 years old.You must live in Arizona.You can receive only one Opportunity Grant every two fiscal years. The fiscal year is different from a calendar year and runs from July 1 of one year to June 30 of the next. Download Grant Guidelines Award AmountArtists may request between $500 and $1,500 in funding.The number of grants awarded is dependent upon the amount of funds available. No match is required.What kind of opportunities does this grant support?This grant is open to artists of all disciplines and career stages. A variety of time-based opportunities may be eligible as long as they have a significant impact in one or more of these areas:Introducing Your Work to New AudiencesAn opportunity to showcase your work in a way that expands your audience or raises your artistic profile.Developing New SkillsAn opportunity to grow your artistic abilities by participating in conferences, residencies, workshops, fellowships, master classes, or apprenticeships.Building Your Artistic CareerAn opportunity to strengthen your business skills, such as creating marketing materials, developing a website, covering professional fees (for lawyers, accountants, etc.), or investing in essential tools like equipment, materials, or rental fees.You’ll need to explain how this opportunity will help advance your work. It should be a new or evolving professional step, not something you’ve already done before.What can the grant funds be used for?You can use the grant money for various expenses related to your time-based opportunity, including:Buying equipment, materials, or services needed for the opportunityRenting equipment or instrumentsShort-term rental space of studios or short-term facilities related to opportunityShipping, freight, or preparation costsDocumenting your experience (such as photography or video)Travel costs necessary for participation (see funding restrictions for details)Registration feesProfessional fees that support your artistic opportunityGrant funds cannot be used for any part of a project that takes place before the grant cycle start date or after the end of the fiscal year (June 30, 2027). If your project timeline extends beyond the funding period, you can still apply—just make sure to request funds only for activities happening within the eligible timeframe.Grant TimelineFunding DeliveryFunds are generally delivered 8-10 weeks after the necessary paperwork (award agreement, state W-9, and payment form) is submitted.Earliest funding date for Cycle A: October 30, 2026Earliest funding date for Cycle B: March 10, 2027Before You ApplyBefore starting your application, consider these steps:Review the GuidelinesThe Grant Guidelines provide all the information you’ll need to prepare a successful application. Download/Print the Grant GuidelinesRequest AccommodationsIf you need assistance completing the application or participating in the process, reach out to the staff contact listed at the top of this page.Prepare Your Narrative ResponsesYou can either type your responses or upload audio recordings of your answers.Each question has a word limit (if typed) or a maximum recording length (if audio).If recording, keep it simple—just make sure your voice is clear. Fancy production isn’t necessary.Audio files must be in MP3 format (.mp3).Many applicants find it helpful to draft their responses in a word processor before entering them into the application system. This helps with word count tracking and editing.Set Up or Update Your SurveyMonkey Apply AccountYou’ll submit your application through SurveyMonkey Apply.New applicants need to create an account at https://azarts.smapply.io/.Returning applicants should log in and update their information if needed.For step-by-step instructions on creating or updating your account, visit the applicant resources page:https://azarts.gov/grants/applicant-resources/.Once you’ve read through the guidelines and completed these tasks, watch one of the Information Sessions provided by the grant manager. Register below. If you have any questions left about your funding category, eligible expenses, tips for a successful application, or tech issues, reach out to the staff contact listed at the top of this page.How to ApplyWhen you’re ready click “Apply Now” below.You don’t have to finish the application in one session.You can save a draft at any time and return later to complete or submit it. APPLY NOW Applicant Info SessionsLeading up to the application due date, the Arizona Commission on the Arts presented a webinar-style information session to help prospective applicants in preparing competitive applications. You can watch a recording of the info session below: Guidelines: Fiscal Year 2027 Artist Opportunity Grant