Grants for Artists

Fostering Artistic Innovation

Arts Council of the Valley recognizes the importance of artistic creativity to a meaningful life, and offers two Advancing the Arts Grant categories designed to encourage artists to plan and execute short-term projects designed to expand visual, performing, and literary arts opportunities in the Harrisonburg-Rockingham area. In other words, Creative Inspiration and Public Art Forward grants encourage artists to dream big!

Since 2001, Arts Council of the Valley (ACV) has awarded more than $498,300 to support community-based initiatives in the City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County through its Advancing the Arts Grant program.

Creative
Inspiration Grants

Creative Inspiration art grants ($500-$1,500) help support artists and arts organizations pursuing personal or professional creative advancement. These Advancing the Arts grants are awarded in two cycles, fall (Oct 11, 5 pm deadline) and spring (Mar 11, 5 pm deadline). Awardees may receive one grant – of any type – from ACV per calendar year. Matching funds are not required for Advancing the Arts projects.

Recent Creative Inspiration projects have produced innovative dance performances; a Black History Month literary and musical event; art exhibitions on social issues; murals; poetry; original stage plays; album releases; music videos; a songwriters contest; musical programs for area nursing home residents; and a virtual variety show with live music, interviews, sketch comedy, dimension hopping, puppetry, and more.

Turn Your Bright Idea into a Glowing Grant Project

Creative Inspiration Spring 2025 Timeline

July 2025: Grant cycle opens
Free Online Grant Info Session #1 TBD
Free Online Grant Info Session #2 TBD
October 11, 2025: Grant applications due by 5 pm
November 1, 2025: Grant recipients notified
November 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026: Projects occur
June 1, 2026: Final Reports due by 5 pm

Guidelines and application for Spring 2025 will be available by January 2025.

Public Art
Forward Grants

Started in 2023, an exciting new funding category provides up to $15,000 once each year through 2025 to create a new work of public art in downtown Harrisonburg. Public Art Forward proposals are accepted during the Spring Advancing the Arts grant cycle, with project completion by the end of the calendar year. This grant is made possible by the generosity of the Forward family.

Artist Laura Thompson created a mural on the MODdisplays building (273 E Market St) in 2023, Harrisonburg’s first Public Art Forward project!

Public Art Forward:
Dream Big

From murals or mosaics to sculptures, the Public Art Forward funding encourages flights of imagination followed by the real-world considerations needed to breathe life into a work of community art. Attend a free online Info Session to learn more about the application process for this narrowly-focused grant category; plus ask questions about your proposal.

Check back soon for more information about the 2025 grant cycle!

FAQs: Public Art Forward

Does this grant fund murals or sculptures?

The first Public Art Forward grant in 2023 funded a mural on the MODdisplays building; for the 2024 funding cycle preference will be given to proposals for sculpture.

Who submits the proposal? The artist or the owner of the location where the artwork is to be located?

The artist is responsible for submitting the proposal.

Is the artist responsible for maintaining the artwork?

No. The artist is required only to provide the 10-year maintenance plan; the property owner will determine to what degree that plan is to be followed.

Does this grant fund previously-created artwork available for purchase, such as an outdoor sculpture in need of a new home?

No. Public Art Forward funds are designated for a new work of art to be created and installed during the April 1-December 31 project period.

What if my proposed work of public art costs more than $15,000?

We encourage you to seek other sources of funding, perhaps from the business where your artwork will be located, or another type of arts grant before submitting your Public Art Forward proposal.

If I received Creative Inspiration or Arts for Education funding last year may I apply for a Public Art Forward grant now?

Artists who have not received an ACV grant of any type in the past twelve (12) months may apply for a Public Art Forward grant.

Will you award more than one grant per year as long as the project totals are equal to or less than $15,000?

No. Only one Public Art Forward Grant will be awarded each year.

Might the same artist receive this grant more than one year?

An artist may apply each year for the Public Art Forward grant. Receipt of the grant one year does not ensure that the same artist would be selected in a later funding cycle.

May I combine all my proposal attachments into a single pdf?

Separate attachments, labeled as specified in the application form, are strongly preferred by the grants committee.

Who determines where the artwork will be located?

The artist, in collaboration with a business/organization owner, will propose a downtown Harrisonburg site for review by Arts Council of the Valley.

I see the grant amount is paid in three installments. What if I need additional money to cover material costs before the September 15 deadline for the mid-project report?

Depending on the timeline for your project, the mid-project report might be submitted well before September. Should you need the second check to cover materials before you reach the project mid-point, please email advancingvalleyarts@gmail.com to describe your situation.

How can I find out who owns a property where I’m interested in creating a public artwork?

This site (https://gis.vgsi.com/harrisonburgva/Search.aspx) has a property lookup feature which may be helpful in identifying the building owner.

What if the grant isn’t awarded one year? Does the money roll over to the next year, or is that a lost opportunity?

In that event, the decision would be up to the donor.

See if your idea is a good fit for Advancing the Arts Grant funding. Sign up today for a free online Grant Info Session to learn more about the application process and ask specific questions about your project and the types of grants available.

The Arts will be visible, vital, and engaging – enhancing the richness of our diverse community.