General Operating Support for Artists Grant

General Operating Support for Artists Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Rhode Island State Council on the Arts
Amount: Up to US $18,000
Last Updated: March 26, 2026

Summary

The General Operating Support for Artists program offers unrestricted grants of $6,000 annually for three years to three artists in Rhode Island, allowing them to pursue significant self-identified artistic goals. This initiative fosters a supportive community with learning opportunities tailored to grantees' needs. Eligibility includes being 18 or older, a practicing artist, and a legal resident of the U.S. with a tax ID. Importantly, capital projects and fundraising expenses are not covered.

Overview

General Operating Support for Artists program provides grants for three consecutive years for three artists to work toward large, specific, self-identified goals in their art practice. General Operating Support for Artists provides grants for artists to work toward larger, self-identified goals in their art practice. This funding is unrestricted, meaning artists can use the funds to support their goals however they need. This program includes a cohort community of current grantees, with meetings and learning opportunities that are focused on the grantees’ needs. Each year, three artists will be selected for this program, for a total of nine artists receiving yearly grants at any given time. Award Amount: $6,000 per year, for three years.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. 18 years of age or older.Domiciled in Rhode Island for at least two years at the time of application. This means Rhode Island is your primary residence, and is the address you use for legal forms, state income taxes, car registration, driver’s license or state issued identification, and voter registration - regardless of whether you own or rent your home. You must reside in the state for at least 183 days per year.A legal resident of the United States with a tax identification number (either Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). This includes refugees, immigrants, and temporary residents. This does not include people in the country on a tourist visa.A practicing artist. RISCA defines practicing artist as: a person that intentionally creates or practices art in any discipline that:Has sought learning or training in the artistic field from any source, not necessarily in formal academic institutions.Is committed to devoting significant time to artistic activity, as is possible financially.Is or is working toward earning some portion of their income from their art.Disciplines include, but are not limited to, musician, painter, poet, choreographer, teaching artist, ceramicist, storyteller, performer, playwright, sculptor, photographer, wampum artist, printmaker, animator, cartoonist, textile and fashion designer, and filmmaker.Submitting only one application per grant deadline to the General Operating Support for Artists program.

Ineligibility

Capital projects, including the construction or renovation of buildings, or additions to buildings.Any fundraising expenses – like creating rewards for a Kickstarter or hosting a fundraising event for any purpose.Purchase of alcohol with grant funds is strictly prohibited. You may not spend grant funds on hospitality, travel, or food and beverage expenses if they are not integral to the goals described in your application.Addressing, eliminating, or reducing existing debt.Prizes and awards for an event, person, and/or organization.Regranting funds to support grants to other artists or organizations through an application or award process.Activities that are associated with a graduate or undergraduate degree program or for which academic credit is received.Applications for projects that proselytize or promote religious activities, or which take place as part of a religious service.­­Expenses incurred or activity happening outside of the award period.A staff member or Council member of RISCA, or an immediate family member of a staff or Council member.Currently enrolled in an arts degree seeking program or attending high school full time.A previous recipient of the General Operating Support for Artists grant.Delinquent on any final reports for previous RISCA grants.