The Futures Fund is designed to provide essential support to artist projects that exemplify the unique possibilities of St. Louis, deeply engage its past, present and possible futures, and model new ways of working within the region.
Donor Name: The Luminary
State: Missouri
City: St. Louis
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 05/05/2025
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: 1 Year
Details:
For the 2025 Futures Fund cycle, they are invested in supporting projects based in collaboration that envision more sustainable models of artistic production and accessible modes of engagement. Sustainability can be considered both in terms of the physical environment and towards the welfare of participating artists as well as the communities they inhabit. Accessibility concerns the capacity of work to reach audiences across continuums of disability, geography, education, and taste. Collaborative projects between are highly encouraged; the project lead should identify as a visual artist with a demonstrated practice in visual arts.
Types of Projects
- Projects that are initiated by individual artists and collectives within the St. Louis region
- Projects that take place within 40 miles of Downtown St. Louis
- Projects that have a strong visual arts component and visual impact
- Projects organized and implemented by (but not limited to) visual artists, curators, writers, cultural organizers, collectives, collaboratives, or artist-run collectives
- Projects that are open and accessible to the public
- Projects that are innovative to the St. Louis area.
Funding Information
Grants ranging from $2,500 to $8,000.
Grant Period
June 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026.
Examples of Eligible Projects
- New artist-driven organizations, institutions, collaborations and spaces for presenting and experiencing art and performance
- Visual arts projects that prioritize engagement or collaboration with other cultural practitioners, community members, and organizations
- Research projects that center a visual arts inquiry and have a public-facing component, such as a lecture or pedagogical program, attached
- Socially-responsive projects such as alternative education projects, microcinemas, mutual aid initiatives and more, wherein visual art is the focal point or vehicle for engagement
- Publications and online networks for distribution of artworks, arts writing, and information
- Public art projects such as murals, outdoor sculptures, or installations with a temporary or permanent physical presence.
Preferred Project Criteria
- Demonstrate a commitment to community-building, education and/or experimentation
- Respond to contemporary issues of the moment with distinct new models or approaches to arts organizing
- Have a longstanding impact and visibility for visual arts in the region
- Prioritize expanding the conversation of arts and criticism within St. Louis, in context with the greater Contemporary Art World.
Who may Apply?
The Luminary invites arts organizers, curators or artists (two local, one out of town), to serve on a review committee.
For more information, visit The Luminary.
