What do arts funders look for?

Artistic quality, a clear vision, public benefit or community engagement, realistic plans and budgets, and the ability to deliver.

Do arts grants require work samples?

Many do. Choose samples that relate closely to the proposed project and follow format and length rules.

How do I measure the impact of an arts project?

Track participation and audience numbers, and use surveys, feedback and documentation to show changes in skills, confidence, wellbeing or community connection.

Can individual artists apply for arts grants?

Some funders support individual artists; others fund only organizations. Check eligibility before applying.

Arts Grant Proposal: How to Write One (With Example)

An arts grant proposal must balance two things: artistic vision and public benefit. Explain what you will create or present and why it matters artistically, who will experience it and how, who you are working with, and how you will measure engagement and impact. Support it with strong work samples, a realistic budget that pays artists fairly, and a clear timeline.

What arts and culture funders look for

A clear artistic idea described in plain language, not only artist-statement language.
Public benefit: audiences, participants, communities reached, especially underserved groups.
Quality and track record: work samples, past projects, reviews.
Feasibility: venues, partners, permissions, timeline.
Fair pay for artists and creative workers.
Access: affordable tickets, accessible venues, outreach.

Describe the project two ways

The art: what will be made, performed or shown, and what makes it distinctive.
The experience: what audiences or participants will do, see or feel, and how they will be reached.

Outcomes and indicators

Outcome	Indicator
New audiences reached	Attendance, % first-time attenders
Participants gain skills	Pre and post self-assessment
Community connection	Feedback surveys, participant quotes
Artist development	New work created, commissions, partnerships

Example summary

Example

The Lantern Collective requests $18,000 toward a $27,000 project to create "Riverlights", a community lantern-making program and night-time procession in Southbank. Over ten weeks, two lead artists will run 30 free workshops in schools, care homes and the library, with participants making lanterns that tell stories of the river.

The project will reach around 600 participants and an expected audience of 2,000 at the procession, many of whom rarely attend arts events. Artists will be paid at recognized rates, and every workshop venue is wheelchair accessible.

Work samples

Choose samples that relate closely to the proposed project, label them clearly, and follow format and length rules exactly. Two strong, relevant samples beat six loosely related ones.

Budget tips

Include artist fees, materials, venue, technical, marketing, access costs and documentation.
Show earned income such as ticket sales, plus other funders and in-kind support.
Explain fee rates in the budget justification.

See the complete process in how to write a grant proposal, and browse all arts and culture grant templates.

How to Write an Arts Grant Proposal (Artists, Organizations and Festivals)