Big Field Fund (BFF) Project Grants

The Big Field Fund (BFF) Project Grants provide $8,000 to support artist-led projects that promote innovative models in visual arts, assist under-resourced artists, or engage with vulnerable communities in Iowa. These grants are available for artists within 80 miles of Iowa City, aiming to enhance collaborative, experimental, and multidisciplinary artistic endeavors. BFF also offers grantees support through public celebrations, cohort gatherings, and promotional opportunities to amplify their project impact.

NOTE: Big Field Fund second round applications are by invitation only. Second round applications are due Wednesday October 1 at 11:59pm.
Big Field Fund Project Grants award $8000 to support the public realization of connective, collaborative, and/or experimental artist-led projects that fulfill one or more of the following focus areas:

• projects that manifest new and inventive models to present/nurture/deploy visuals arts in Iowa
• projects that support under-resourced artists and creative communities
• projects that engage with vulnerable or underutilized resources, structures, systems, or ecologies
• projects that would likely not otherwise be eligible for financial support due to their multidisciplinary, ephemeral, or risk-taking nature

BFF Project Grants are intended to support eastern Iowa artists (this year, defined as within 80 miles of Iowa City and in the state of Iowa). In addition to the financial award to support their project, BFF will support grantees with:

• a public award celebration
• a grantee cohort gathering
• a studio visit/consultation with an artist, curator, or specialist in the field
• promotion of their projects via BFF’s communication channels

Eligibility

Applicants must:
be at least 18 years oldreside and plan to produce the project within 80 miles of Iowa City and in the state of Iowa (see map here)have an active artistic practice and be able to demonstrate recent workhave the ability to complete work proposed within one year of the grant award (largely in the calendar year 2026)

Ineligibility

Applicants may not be:
a non-profit or incorporated business (501(c)(3)s, LLCs, S- or C-Corp, or partnership)enrolled in a full-time degree-granting programa BFF Project Grant awardee in the last two years*R/D grantees will be eligible to apply for a Project grant the following year. Project Grant grantees (lead applicant) must wait two years after completing their project to apply again.