An applicant who meets these criteria may apply:

• Is a practicing artist.
• Is a current Maine resident.
• Is 18 years of age or older by the application deadline.
• If applicable, has completed all Final Reports required by the Maine Arts Commission for previous awards.

The funded activities proposed in your application must be in full accordance with the U.S. Constitution, federal law, state law, and public policy requirements including, but not limited to, those protecting free speech, religious liberty, public welfare, the environment, and those prohibiting discrimination.

Eligible Expenses

Awards may be used for activities that support your project goals for things such as:

• Materials or equipment
• Productions or installations
• Planning and preparation
• Tours or exhibition costs
• Skill building workshops or trainings
• Residencies
• Hiring other artists or assistants

Ineligible Expenses:

• Debt or loan repayment
• Equipment purchases over $5,000
• Home office or home studio rent and expenses
• Activities for which undergraduate or graduate level education credit is given
• Activities that support or oppose a particular political party or candidate for public office

All applications and materials must be submitted using the online Maine Cultural Access Portal. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to carefully review these details and call us with questions prior to beginning an application. It’s important to give yourself plenty of time to write a strong application, so be sure to start the process early!

• Answer these application questions (to be competed in the application portal):

1. Tell us about yourself and your creative work. (1200 characters)
   •  Think of this like your artist bio/resume
2. Tell us what this grant would be used for. (1200 characters)
   •  What will you do, where will it happen, and what will the support make possible?
3. What is your timeline? (1200 characters)
   •  Include key milestones, start and end dates, and if relevant any public moments (showing, releases, workshop, etc.).
4. What are your goals for this work? (1200 characters)
   •  List 2 to 4 goals. These can be creative, professional, or skill-based.

• Complete the budget form (show overall budget including cash and in-kind contributions, not just what you want the grant to cover).

• Upload 5 work samples. These can include images, samples, audio, or video materials (max length: five minutes each) prose samples, poetry. Only 5 total artist sample uploads of any type will be reviewed.

The Maine Arts Commission may use submitted materials solely for the non-commercial promotion of the artist and/or Maine Arts Commission programs.

Submitted applications are first reviewed by staff for completion, eligibility, and adherence to these funding guidelines. Applications are then reviewed by a diverse panel of arts and culture professionals; these panelists review each application and submit ratings based on the review criteria (see below). These ratings help determine how funding will be allocated.

Review Criteria

Award Payments

Awardees are required to submit a final report for each grant received. Final reports are due 14 days after the end of the fiscal year. You may not be eligible to apply for another Maine Arts Commission grant if you do not submit your final report.