The Idea Fund

The Idea Fund is a re-granting program that provides direct grants to artists for artist-generated or artist-centered projects that exemplify unconventional, interventionist, conceptual, entrepreneurial, participatory, or guerrilla artistic practices.

Administered by: Partnership of DiverseWorks, Aurora Picture Show, and Project Row Houses

Funding Levels

• Spark: $1,000
• Catalyst: $4,000
• Stimulus: $7,000

Number of Awards: Up to 12 grants per round

Geographic Eligibility

The lead artist must reside in one of the following counties:

• Harris
• Galveston
• Brazoria
• Fort Bend
• Waller
• Chambers
• Liberty
• Montgomery

Eligible Applicants

• Individual artists
• Curators
• Collectives
• Collaboratives
• Partnerships

Project Focus

Projects should exemplify:

• Unconventional artistic practices
• Interventionist approaches
• Conceptual work
• Entrepreneurial projects
• Participatory practices
• Guerrilla artistic practices
• Work outside traditional frameworks of support

Selection Process

• Grants are competitive and awarded by a panel of arts professionals and artists
• Merit-based review

Contact Information

• Mary Magsamen, Curator, Aurora Picture Show
• Email: magsamen@aurorapictureshow.org
• Phone: 713.868.2101
• Web: www.TheIdeaFund.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheIdeaFund/
• Twitter: @theideafund
• Instagram: @theideafund

Background

The Idea Fund is the second re-granting initiative of The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, following the pilot program "Alternative Exposure" administered by Southern Exposure in San Francisco. It is structured to provide artists with quick access to substantial financial support for projects that might not otherwise have access to funding.

Application Process

1. Attend an Information Session (optional but encouraged)
   • Free information sessions are held throughout the application period
   • Sessions include application guidance and budget workshops
2. Submit Online Application
   • Use the online application portal at https://diverseworks.submittable.com/submit
   • Applications must be submitted by the deadline (specific date varies by round)
3. Selection Timeline
   • Applications are reviewed by a panel of arts professionals and artists
   • Grantees are announced approximately one month after deadline

Application Requirements

• Online submission through Submittable portal
• Project proposal describing the artistic project
• Budget information
• Proof of residency in eligible counties
• Artist statement or CV (details may vary by round)