Grants to Support Artists in Vermont

Creation Grants support Vermont artists in creating new work. Grant funds may be used to compensate the artists for time spent creating new work, to purchase materials, or to rent equipment or space for the process.

Donor Name: Vermont Arts Council

State: Vermont

County: All Counties

Type of Grant: Grant

Deadline: 04/08/2025

Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000

Grant Duration: 1 Year

Details:

This highly competitive program is reviewed by an independent panel of practicing artists and arts professionals. Both established and emerging artists are encouraged to apply.

Funding Information

• You may apply for any amount up to $5,000.
• These are examples of fundable projects:
  • A multimedia artist creating a new video series.
  • A writer completing the first draft of a novel.
  • A dance ensemble developing choreography for a new piece.
  • A visual artist creating art for exhibition that explores new subjects and techniques.
  • A musician composing music for a new album.

Grant Period 

The project must take place between September 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026.

Eligible Expenses

• Creation Grant funds must be used only for the creation of new work. They encourage applicants to use the funding to pay for their time (and equitable compensation for other artists’ time if applicable). Like income from a job, artists may use grant payments for their time creating the work in any way they choose.
• Eligible expenses for this grant award are:
  • the artist’s time (and other artists’ time, if applicable) creating new work. This might include research, ideation/development, planning, and creation.
  • the cost of purchasing materials or equipment (valued under $5,000) for the creation of the work.
  • the cost of renting space outside of the artist’s home to create the work.
  • the cost of travel within the United States to create the work.
  • the cost of contracting professional services related to the creation and/or completion of new work. For example, professional editing services for a manuscript, or mixing and mastering of an album.
  • the cost of accommodation and accessibility related to the creation of the work. This might include captioning, ASL or other interpreters, large print, audio description, assistive listening system rentals, etc.
• Grant funds may not be applied to any aspect of the public presentation of the work once the creation is completed. For example, the creation of a book or framed artwork would be eligible for funding, but not the costs associated with a public book reading or art exhibit. The creation of a screenplay or choreography would be eligible for funding, including rehearsals, but not the costs associated with the actual public performance.

Eligibility Criteria 

Individual artists and artist groups may apply. Individual applicants must:

• have been residents of Vermont for a minimum of one year prior to the application deadline and are residents at the time the award is granted. Residency means that Vermont is your primary residence, and is the address you use for legal forms, state income taxes, car registration, driver’s license or state-issued ID, and/or voter registration
• be eighteen years of age or older at the time of application
• have submitted all required reports on any prior Council grants
• are practicing artists. The Vermont Arts Council defines a practicing artist as: A person that intentionally creates or practices art who:
  • is committed to devoting significant time to artistic activity, as is possible financially
  • works in an artistic discipline such as visual arts, crafts, performing arts (including music), literary arts, media & design arts, and multidisciplinary arts.

For more information, visit Vermont Arts Council.