Artist Support Grants

Direct funds for individual artists' projects, needs, and creative opportunities in all artistic disciplines. Encourages creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustained commitment to artistic work.

Geographic Scope: St. Louis City and County, Missouri

Eligible Applicants: Individual artists in all artistic disciplines

Eligible Expenses:

• Equipment and materials
• Rental space
• Arts-related travel
• Conference fees
• Project completion
• Salaries
• Professional and artistic development
• Training
• Other resources

Eligible Disciplines: Dance, design, literature, media arts, music, theater arts, visual arts, and social practice

Award Timing: Typically in May; awards vary by cycle

Program History: Eighth annual round as of 2020; one of RAC's four competitive grant programs

Evaluation Process:

• Selected from applicants by a pool of discipline readers
• Readers consist of knowledgeable volunteers from the local and national arts community and RAC staff
• Typically 20+ readers involved

Design Philosophy: Designed to be flexible and accessible, recognizing that artists need financial support to pursue their art form and further their careers

Contact Information:

• Olivia Lahs-Gonzales, Associate Director of Artist Programs
• Email: olivia@racstl.org
• Phone: (314) 863-5811
• Website: racstl.org

Background: RAC conducted the "Artists Count" survey in 2012 (funded by the Kresge Foundation) which determined that one of the most pressing needs for regional artists is to receive financial support in order to pursue their art form and further their artistic careers.