Past Awards

A grid of suspended bowling balls hangs against a dim gray wall, each ball held in place by thin vertical cords. The balls vary in color and pattern, showing swirls of blue, red, black, gold, and green. Many have markings or painted details that resemble eyes, giving them quiet, face-like expressions. Light from above casts soft circular shadows beneath them on the floor. The installation has a contemplative atmosphere, inviting reflection on the transformed materials connected to the Lewiston tragedy and the community’s process of healing.

The Maine Arts Commission offers grant funding to Maine organizations, individuals, schools, and municipalities. The grant cycle opens in January each year with the majority of deadlines before the end of April, with some offerings that have additional autumn deadlines. Funding support must be used for projects between July 1 of the current year and June 30 of the following year.

The Maine Arts Commission is a state agency that receives funding appropriated by the Maine State Legislature. In addition, the Agency is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Mission

The Maine Arts Commission fosters and encourages public interest and participation in the cultural heritage and artistic expression of our state. We fulfill our mission through partnerships and collaborations, outreach and advocacy, initiatives, information sharing and grants for organizations, individual artists, and communities throughout Maine.

Grant Recipients by Fiscal YEar

Maine Artist Fellows by YEar

Fellows - 2025 |2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 

Header Image: Ian Trask, Familiar Faces, 2025. Exhibition at Maine MILL in Lewiston. Trask is the 2025 Maine Artist Fellow.