The Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis’ (RAC) 2027-2030 Artist Grants will have two categories: Artist Investment Grants and Artist and Artist Collective Project Grants. The project grants will be similar to the previous Artist Support Grants; the investment grants draw inspiration from the Artist Fellowship Grants previously offered by RAC (2013-2020). This model is designed to allow RAC to remain responsive to fluctuating revenues while making responsible investments that have a demonstrated impact on individual artists and the communities of St. Louis City and County.
Please note: All timelines and deadlines will be published on the RAC website in Fall 2026.
ARTIST INVESTMENT GRANTS
The Artist Investment Grants will support mid-career and established artists through a competitive grant process modeled, in part, on RAC’s previous Artist Fellowship Grant program. These grants will be reviewed through a panel review process. Given the larger award amount associated with these grants, the application, review, and reporting processes will be more rigorous.
PURPOSE: Support high-impact, innovative, and
mid-career to established artists
Grant Size:
Up to $25,000
Structure: Up to 10 awards annually (2027 – 2030)
ARTIST AND ARTIST COLLECTIVE PROJECT GRANTS
Artist and Artist Collective Project Grants will differ from the previous Artist Support Grants in that grant funds may not be used to support an individual artist’s general artistic practice. RAC will focus these grants on supporting specific public projects proposed by individual artists and artist collectives. Applications for these grants will be reviewed by external reviewers, similar to the current Artist Support Grant review process.
PURPOSE: Support project-based work, particularly for emerging and mid-career artists
Grant Size: Up to $5000 (Individual) and $10,000 (artist collective)
Structure: Approximately 70–80 awards annually
Are you looking to submit a final report?
Final reports for grants received in 2025 will be submitted through the Blackbaud portal through the button below. Please contact grants@racstl.org if you have any questions about your final report.
frequently asked questions – 2026 grants
Is RAC launching a new grant cycle in Fiscal Year 2026?
RAC is NOT launching new grant applications in FY26. Due to continuing financial volatility and RAC’s 2026 –2030 Strategic Roadmap, RAC will use 2026 to determine how we will move forward in 2027 and beyond with new grantmaking processes.
Why isn’t there a new grant cycle in Fiscal Year 2026?
This pause allows RAC to support eligible and high-scoring 2025 grantees and applicants while navigating financial challenges and planning for a stronger, more sustainable grant program in the future.
Will there be a new Artist Support application for Fiscal Year 2026?
RAC will not accept any new Artists Support applications in 2026. In 2026, RAC will make grants to approximately the next eligible 135 highest scoring applicants from the 2025 cycle—those who did not receive a 2025 grant, but whose scores would have qualified them for funding. In total, approximately $800,000 grant funds will be distributed.
What if my application was ineligible in Fiscal Year 2025? Will my application be considered in Fiscal Year 2026?
Unfortunately, ineligible applications from FY25 will not be retroactively corrected and will not be considered for FY26 grant awards.
How will artists know if they are receiving Fiscal Year 2026 support?
All 2026 Artist Support grantees have been notified of their awards.
How much funding will an artist/collective be eligible for?
FY26 grant awards are expected to be 80% of the artist’s FY25 application request amount.
When will Artist Support grants be paid?
Grant payments will be issued by late July/early August 2026.
I already completed the project that I applied for in 2025 OR I no longer need funding for that project/need. Am I still eligible to receive a grant in 2026?
If your project is already completed or the dates have passed, RAC will still issue a grant for an alternate project/artistic need. However, funds must be used for eligible arts-related activities; please see the Artist Support Grants Restrictions for more information.
Please email grants@racstl.org with any questions.
What is the 2026 Artist Support Timeline?
- Grant Period: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
- Grantee Agreement sent: Friday, July 10
- Agreement due: Wednesday, July 15
- Payment: Late July/early August
- Final Report information available: End of October
- Final Report due: Monday, August 16, 2027