MAC: Express Grants

The Missouri Arts Council offers Express Grants to support a variety of artistic projects aimed at enhancing community engagement and economic growth through the arts. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, allowing organizations to secure funding for performances, festivals, and educational initiatives. With a commitment to broadening access to the arts, the Council encourages early submissions, especially as funding is limited. This initiative aims to foster creativity and cultural enrichment across Missouri.

NOTE: The deadline for applications is on the first Monday of the month, two months in advance of the month in which the project incurs expenses. For example, for a project that incurs expenses in May, the application must be received no later than the first Monday in March. If the first Monday is a holiday, the deadline is on Tuesday. We encourage organizations to submit applications early, as Express funding is limited.
Supporting the Arts for All Missouri
The Missouri Arts Council is the state agency dedicated—as public leader, partner, and catalyst—to broadening the growth, availability, and appreciation of the arts in Missouri and fostering the diversity, vitality, and excellence of Missouri’s communities, economy, and cultural heritage. The grants we award make possible quality arts programming to communities both large and small throughout the state. We provide grants to arts projects that meet our strategic goals:

• Engage people in meaningful arts experiencesGrow Missouri’s economy using the artsStrengthen Missouri education through the arts
• What Does MAC Fund?

Missouri Arts Council funds art projects in most artistic disciplines that are open to the public. Funds may be used for artist fees, marketing, travel expenses, and more. A project may include the following:
Performance of dance, music, opera, and/or theater (single performance or series)Arts festival or arts component at festival or county fair Visual exhibition or exhibition seriesLiterary journal publication
The film festival, film series, or production of a media arts proejct
We accept applications for Express Grants on a rolling deadline in these programs:

• Arts Council BasicBig Yellow School Bus
• Arts EducationOrganizations of Color
• Project
• Touring – Community or School