2026 Education Funding For Visual Artists
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Published5 Feb 2026
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Discover opportunities that can help you secure funding for workshops, masterclasses and other activities to grow your practice.
From short workshops to year-long programs, education is essential for artists looking to evolve their practice. However, securing funding can be as challenging as it is vital. Whether you are looking for education-specific grants or unrestricted funding, finding the right support takes effort. With the PhMuseum 2026/27 Online Masterclasses Program opening in early March, we have updated our curated list of opportunities to help fund your participation, beyond the 5 scholarships already offered.
Asian Cultural Council (Asia and USA)
Submission Period: Fall 2026
Eligibility: Individuals who advance cultural exchange between the US and Asian countries, as well as among countries in Asia
The Asian Cultural Council is a grant-giving organization that makes fellowships and grants to support cultural exchange in the arts for practicing artists, scholars, and arts professionals. Priority is given to process-driven activities that enable cultural immersion, relationship-building, collaboration, or the exchange of knowledge among peers. Examples of process-driven activities include research, training, study, and exploration.
Learn more on their website.
Canada Council For The Arts – Visual Arts Grants (Canada)
Submission Period: Open year‑round throughout 2026
Eligibility: Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons who are recognized as professional visual artists or arts workers
Within the Canada Council For The Arts, this opportunity provides project‑based grants that help cover costs tied to artistic research, experimentation, material and production expenses, collaboration, exhibitions, or presentations. Grant amounts can be up to about CA$75,000 per application, and multiple applications per year are allowed. Applicants may also receive Application Assistance if they identify as Deaf, disabled, or from other equity‑seeking communities to help with the application process.
For more information, go here.
Micro-Grants for Professional Development
Submission Period: Open year‑round throughout 2026
Eligibility: Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons who are recognized as professional visual artists or arts workers
Part of the Arts Across Canada and Abroad program, the Micro-Grants component provides quick, flexible support for professional growth, including travel, attendance at workshops, residencies, or other activities that directly contribute to an artist’s career development. Unlike larger project grants, these can be requested up until the activity begins.
Get more information on their website.
Creating, Knowing and Sharing: The Arts and Cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples
Submission Period: Open year‑round throughout 2026 (Small-Scale Activities and Travel)
Deadlines: 8 April, 22 July, and 4 November 2026 (Short-Term Projects) / 6 May 2026 (Long-Term Projects)
Eligibility: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis artists, cultural carriers, arts professionals, groups, collectives, and Indigenous‑led organizations across Canada
The program is designed to foster Indigenous cultural expression, artistic practice, and cultural leadership by supporting activities across three interconnected pillars: Creating, which includes research, creation, production, and development of new works; Knowing, which emphasizes the preservation, transmission, and innovation of Indigenous cultural knowledge and artistic skills; and Sharing, which focuses on dissemination, exhibitions, presentations, and engagement with communities and broader audiences. There are five funding opportunities offered through the program.
Read more on their website.
Centre National Des Arts Plastiques (France)
Submission Period: 25 November 2025 - 27 January 2026
Eligibility: Professional French or France-based artists and collectives
The Artist Project Support Grant supports all phases of artistic work, from research to production, without requiring a final exhibition. Grants are awarded as flat-rate amounts of €5,000, €10,000, or €15,000, depending on the scope of the project.
The application process is conducted through CNAP’s platform.
Documentary Photography Support Grant
Deadline: 25 November 2025 - 10 March 2026
Eligibility: Professional French or France-based artists and collectives
The Grant is designed to promote contemporary documentary photography by providing financial support to professional photographers engaged in research-based and long-term projects. The grant supports all stages of project development, from research to production, and helps cover artistic fees and production costs. Funding amounts are determined by the selection committee based on the needs of each project.
Click here to find out more.
Icelandic Visual Arts Fund (Iceland)
Deadline: 10 February 2026
Eligibility: Icelandic and Iceland-based artists, including visual artists, curators, art historians, and self-employed professionals in the visual arts field
The Icelandic Visual Arts Fund provides project development support, exhibition funding, publication and research grants, and preparatory funding for professional visual art activities. Grants typically range from ISK 300,000 up to ISK 3,000,000 (covering up to 70 % of project costs), enabling artists, curators, and researchers to realise creative projects, increase visibility at home and abroad, and develop scholarly or artistic outputs. Priority is often given to projects that promote international collaboration, public engagement, sustainability, and connections to broader art networks. Both individuals and Iceland-based organisations can apply. Applicants who previously received funding must have submitted their final report before applying again.
Learn more and apply on the Icelandic Art Center website.
Direzione Generale Creatività Contemporanea (Italy)
Submission period: To be announced soon
Eligibility: Italian or Italy-based artists, and public and private non-profit entities based in Italy
In recent editions, Strategia Fotografia has significantly expanded its scope to directly support individual practitioners through the section dedicated to research and international promotion. Unlike the institutional sections that fund museums or archives, this specific track allows photographers, artists, photojournalists, and curators to apply directly for individual grants (typically around €15,000). The primary goal is to foster artistic research and international mobility, covering costs for projects that enhance the artist's professional development or help export Italian photographic excellence abroad.
Read more about their new grants plan here.
Submission period: To be announced soon
Eligibility: Italian or Italy-based artists, and public and private non-profit entities based in Italy
While Strategia Fotografia is tailored specifically to the photographic medium, the Italian Council serves as Italy’s flagship funding program for the broader contemporary arts. Creators may find the Talent Development section particularly valuable. This dedicated track awards grants of up to €15,000 directly to individual artists. Primarily focused on professional growth, the program empowers artists at any career stage to pursue international research, mobility, and residencies. By fostering these international networks, artists can then enrich the Italian cultural landscape through subsequent workshops or lectures.
Keep an eye on their website for the announcement of the submission period.
Arts Council Malta (Malta)
Deadline: 10 March 2026
Eligibility: Maltese or Malta-based visual artists
Arts Council Malta offers grants of up to €2,000 to support individuals from Malta or residents with a valid Maltese ID, residence permit, or citizenship. The program aims to foster professional growth in the cultural and creative sector by promoting entrepreneurial culture among creative professionals. It provides opportunities to enhance the knowledge base and strategies of cultural and creative enterprises, investing in processes that improve the quality needed to generate artistic work of excellence. The initiative seeks to develop a sustainable creative ecology while fostering job opportunities in the sector.
Discover more on their website.
AFAC – The Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (Lebanon)
Submission Period: 2 February - 2 April 2026
Eligibility: Photographers living and working in the Arab region, irrespective of ethnicity, gender, or religion
The Arab Documentary Photography Program (ADPP) was launched in 2014 by the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC) and the Prince Claus Fund in Amsterdam, in partnership with the Magnum Foundation in New York. The program supports creative documentary photographers based in the Arab region, recognizing the power of images as tools for documentation, education, and advocacy. ADPP seeks to nurture innovative photographic practices and to promote the development and circulation of critical, socially engaged, and locally grounded narratives. The program is open to a wide range of non-fiction approaches, from traditional documentary photography to experimental forms of visual storytelling, including projects that incorporate audio and video elements. Each year, up to eight photographersare awarded a $7,000 grant to develop or complete a project in their country of residence over a 10-month period. In addition to financial support, selected photographers benefit from individual mentorship by established professionals and participate in three specialized workshops—two in person and one online—designed to support project development, production, and strategies for dissemination.
Check more details on their website.
Jumex Scholarship Program (Mexico)
Submission Period: 1 March - 30 March 2026
Eligibility: For Mexican artists
The Scholarship Program aims to foster the creation and research of contemporary art by supporting Mexican students enrolled in full-time master’s or doctoral programs abroad. The program represents a sustained commitment to providing specialized, advanced education for the artistic community. Financial support is granted to postgraduate students to assist with tuition fees and living expenses, enabling them to pursue degrees in visual arts, gallery studies, arts administration, museum studies, and the history and theory of art at internationally recognized institutions. The application process is conducted in Spanish.
Check all the info on their website.
Amarte Fonds (Netherlands and Caribbean)
Submission Period: Open year‑round throughout 2026, at least 6–7 weeks before the project start date
Eligibility: Professional visual artists and photographers based in the Netherlands or the ABCSSS islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Sint Maarten)
The Visual Arts Development Grants offer up to €2,750 to support experimentation, research, and artistic development, covering costs such as materials, fees, coaching, or collaborations that strengthen the artist’s practice. The Visual Arts Project Grants provide up to €5,500 for creating new works, exhibitions, publications, or other defined visual arts projects, and can support production costs, travel, documentation, or collaborative components of a project. The fund prioritises experimentation and professional growth, helping visual artists and photographers realise projects that may not yet qualify for larger institutional funding. Artists can apply individually; organisations may apply only when partnering with an eligible artist.
Learn more and apply on the Amarte Fonds website.
Mondriaan Fonds (Netherlands)
Submission Period: Open year‑round throughout 2026
Eligibility: Visual artists from the Netherlands and the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
The Mondriaan Fonds provides grants of up to €2,500 to support the growth and enhancement of professional practice for visual artists from the Netherlands and the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Artists can use the grant for various purposes, including acquiring new equipment, enrolling in courses, workshops, or mentorship programs, or accessing expertise in technical, creative, or combined areas.
Get further information on their website.
Stroom Deen Haag Visual Arts Grants (Netherlands)
Submission Period: Open year‑round throughout 2026
Eligibility: Visual artists who are active in or connected to The Hague’s art community. Some programmes also accept applicants from outside The Hague, provided they supply a CV and meet the scheme’s criteria
Stroom Den Haag offers a suite of financial support schemes in 2026 designed to strengthen the visual arts climate in The Hague and increase artist visibility both locally and internationally. The SPOT Funding Schemes help with costs for solo and group exhibitions and documentation/promotional materials for visual artists, covering a significant portion of eligible costs (often up to 75% of exhibition/production costs). The PRO Funding Schemes support art projects, programmes, research, and exchange activities, including residencies and collaborative presentations, with contributions up to €10,000 per project and co‑financing requirements for larger requests. All funding is assessed on artistic quality, impact on The Hague’s art ecosystem, and feasibility, and can include costs such as venue hire, transport, publicity, expert fees, and documentation; however, general living expenses and some materials are ineligible. These grants prioritise professional artistic development, research, exhibitions, and broader visibility for visual arts practitioners.
Discover more and apply via the Stroom Den Haag website.
Adam Mickiewicz Institute (Poland)
Submission Period: Open for applications year-round
Eligibility: For Polish citizens
The Program Polish Culture Around the World offers financial support of up to zł10,000 (€2,365) for Polish artists from all artistic disciplines and creative industries, as well as individuals involved in promoting and disseminating Polish culture. It provides funding for individual participation in events abroad, such as exhibitions, festivals, and tours, covering costs such as accommodation, transportation, and other related expenses. Additionally, the program supports online projects conducted in collaboration with international partners.
More information on the Adam Mickiewicz Institute's website.
Fundación Botín (Spain)
Deadline: 8 May 2026
Eligibility: For international artists
Since 1993, Fundación Botín has awarded Art Grants each year, aimed at artists of any nationality. Each grant provides funding of €23,000 and supports those artists who need resources to carry out a research project or training. The result of this process is displayed in the Itinerarios joint exhibition and in a catalogue. One of these grants will be given in priority to a Spanish artist or resident for at least five years before the application to this grant, under the age of 30, who has a concrete project of relocating abroad to carry out their project (training, research, and production).
Learn more on their website.
Goethe‑Institut Mobility Grants for Artists and Culture Professionals (Sub-Saharan Africa and Europe)
Deadline: 15 March, 15 June, 15 September, and 15 December 2026
Eligibility: Individual artists and culture professionals based in Sub‑Saharan Africa or the European Union. If based in the EU, applicants must demonstrate links to the African region
The Goethe‑Institut Mobility Grants support short‑term travel, research, collaboration, residencies, or professional exchanges that strengthen cultural partnerships within Africa and between Africa and Europe. Each mobility grant provides up to €4,000 to help cover travel, accommodation, artist and facilitator fees, materials, digital tools for hybrid mobility, and other eligible mobility costs linked directly to the project. The grants are aimed at fostering professional development, cross‑continental artistic exchange, and collaborative creation, and can support physical, digital, or hybrid mobility. There are up to 195 grants available across the programme period (2025–2027), with applications reviewed at each quarterly cut‑off date. Applications may be submitted by individuals or teams with a clear mobility purpose aligned with the programme objectives.
See full details on the Goethe‑Institut’s Mobility Grants call page.
Swedish Arts Grants Committee (Sweden)
Submission Period: 14 August - 16 September 2026
Eligibility: Sweden-based practitioners in the field of visual arts or who conduct most of art work in Sweden. Foreign citizens can apply if they meet the application requirements
The Swedish Arts Grants Committee’s scholarships and grants serve to promote professionally active artists’ opportunities to conduct, deepen, and develop their artistic practice, promote artistic development, and support innovative arts. As an individual artist, you can apply for a grant to create a new work in project form, carry out experiments in design, technique, and materials, or test new partnerships.
See all scholarships, grants, and programmes on their website.
Support for Artistic Creation by the City of Biel/Bienne (Switzerland)
Submission Period: Open for applications year-round
Eligibility: Artists under 35 living or working in Bienne
The City of Biel/Bienne provides support for emerging artists under 35 living or working in Biel/Bienne to facilitate their professionalization and cover the costs required to develop a professional artistic activity, such as ongoing training and development programs, rent for studios and rehearsal spaces, purchase of technical equipment, and more. The maximum amount covered is CHF3,000 per project per year. Costs relating to the production and dissemination of artistic projects, which are covered by specific grants, are not covered.
Check more details on their website.
Arts Council (United Kingdom)
The National Lottery Project Grants
Submission Period: Open year‑round throughout 2026
Eligibility: Individual artists, creative practitioners, and cultural organisations based in England or working with communities in England
The programme is an open‑access grants fund supported by National Lottery money that helps artists and cultural organisations fund projects across disciplines, including visual arts. Grants typically range from £1,000 up to £100,000, depending on project size and ambition, and can support creation, development, research, exhibitions, tours, audience engagement, digital activity, community work, and R&D. Applicants must meet eligibility rules such as having a UK bank account and project activities that benefit people in England.
Check all the info on their website.
Research and Development (R&D) for Individuals Grant
Submission Deadline: 26 February 2026
Eligibility: Individual artists, creative practitioners, and cultural organisations based in England or working with communities in England
A time‑limited Research and Development priority within Project Grants supports individual creative practitioners (including visual artists and photographers) with activities such as residencies, mentorship, creative experimentation, and professional development; applicants can request between £1,000 and £30,000 GBP, with most individual awards expected up to around £12,000.
Learn more on the Arts Council website.
Black Artists Grant by Creative Debuts (United Kingdom)
Submission Period: Open for applications year-round
Eligibility: For black artists based in the United Kingdom
Creative Debuts offers the Black Artists Grant (BAG), providing £500 in no-strings-attached financial support to black artists based in the UK. Recipients can use the grant for any purpose, such as creating new work, purchasing equipment or materials, traveling, conducting research, attending exhibitions or conferences, or covering personal expenses. The grant addresses the underrepresentation and systemic under-support of black artists within the art world, providing a vital resource to help them thrive. While recognizing the need for broader industry change to dismantle racist structures, Creative Debuts aims to empower black artists to continue their creative practices and advocate for change.
Learn more on their website.
Fundación Ama Amoedo (Uruguay)
Submission Period: July – August 2026 for 2027 funding
Eligibility: For artists from Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Diaspora
Fundación Ama Amoedo offers four grants of $10,000 to support artists and collectives from Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Diaspora, either by nationality and/or cultural heritage, whose practices are focused on visual art. The grants are intended to support specific research or artistic creation projects that contribute significantly to the development of the artist’s career.
More information on their website.
Alexia Foundation Professional & Student Grant (USA)
Deadline: 13 February 2026
Eligibility: Student and professional photographers worldwide who use photography to address social issues
Run by the Alexia Foundation at Syracuse University, the grant offers a $20,000 USD cash award to professional photographers for the production of a proposed project, while students can receive a full tuition scholarship plus a $1,000 USD stipend for their role as research assistants. The professional entry fee is $50 USD, and the student application is free. This grant is open to both student and professional photographers worldwide who use their photography to address social or humanitarian issues.
Check out all of the information here.
Artadia Awards (USA)
Submission period: 1 January - 1 November (different deadlines for all eligible counties)
Eligibility: Applicants must live and work in the city’s eligible counties (Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City, San Francisco Bay Area, Boston, Atlanta, Houston) for at least two consecutive years
The grant provides unrestricted financial support and recognition to contemporary visual artists producing work for museums, galleries, non-profits, or public art contexts; applicants cannot be enrolled in an art-related degree program, related to Artadia staff, or previous awardees who received $10,000 or more. Collaborative projects are allowed if co-authorship is clearly identified. Three awardees per city receive $15,000 USD each, except for the Marciano Artadia Award in Los Angeles, which gives $25,000 USD to one artist. Awardees also gain access to the Artadia Network for professional development and exposure.
Further information available here.
Artist Grant (USA)
Deadline: 15 January, 15 July, and 15 November 2026
Eligibility: Visual artists worldwide
The Artist Grant is a grant-giving opportunity that awards a cash prize of $1,200 USD to one visual artist in each cycle to support their creative practice. Established in 2017, the program is open to individual artists or artist duos/teams who share the award. Applicants need to submit images (or a website link) plus a brief bio or CV. Prize recipients are announced about 6–8 weeks after each deadline, and selected artists may also receive exposure through the organization’s website and social media.
Learn more on their website.
Arrowhead Regional Arts Council ARAC (USA)
Submission Period: 2 February - 15 March 2026
Eligibility: Individual artists and nonprofit arts organizations based within the Arrowhead Region of Minnesota (including counties such as Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, St. Louis, and associated tribal nations)
The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council (ARAC) is a nonprofit grant-making organization that supports artistic activity, community engagement, and professional artistic development across the northeastern Minnesota arts ecosystem. Its 2026 funding opportunities include Individual Artist Project Grants of up to $4,000 to support activities such as exhibitions, performances, creation of artwork, purchase of materials or equipment (up to half of the award), mentorships, conferences, residencies, and projects that help artists overcome barriers or reach new audiences. It also offers Art Project Grants for organizations of up to $5,000 to support meaningful arts activities with community impact. ARAC’s mission emphasizes equitable access and encourages applications from artists of diverse backgrounds and disciplines. Individual applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and reside in the region for at least six months before the deadline.
See all scholarships, grants, and programmes on their website.
Innovate Grant (USA)
Submission Period: Open for applications year-round
Eligibility: International artists
The Innovate Grant provides quarterly $1,800 grants to support visual artists and photographers. Each quarter, one Visual Artist and one Photographer receive this financial boost to focus on their innovative work. Additionally, 12 honorable mentions (6 in art and 6 in photography) are featured on the website, joining a dynamic community of creative individuals.
More information on the Innovate Grant's website.
National Association of Latino Arts and Culture (USA)
Submission Period: To be announced soon
Eligibility: Latinx artists in the United States and Puerto Rico
The National Association of Latino Arts and Culture (NALAC) offers grants of $10,000 to support Latinx artists in the United States and Puerto Rico. This initiative aims to sustain creative work and empower artists in shaping narratives and inspiring generations. NALAC remains committed to advancing Latinx cultural expressions and fostering the transformative power of artistic expression.
More information and deadlines for 2026 will be shared soon on their website.
Yéego Action Grant - First Peoples Fund (USA)
Submission Period: Monthly rolling deadlines, applications must be submitted by 3pm MT on the 10th of each month
Eligibility: Applicants must be enrolled members or direct descendants of a U.S. federally or state-recognized tribe. Alternatively, applicants may provide proof of Alaska Native or Native Hawaiian ancestry
The Yéego Action Grant provides financial support of up to $2,500 for urgent needs or unexpected opportunities that impact artistic practice. Grants can be used to cover costs such as fees for joining an art market or workshop, travel and lodging for a professional development event or residency, emergency situations (e.g., fire, theft, natural disaster), repair of equipment or tools, transportation needs tied to artwork, or expenses arising from health issues that affect creative capacity. This grant is not intended to fund new or ongoing art projects in a general sense, but rather to assist with specific professional opportunities or hardships that might otherwise hinder an artist’s ability to continue their work. Awards are made monthly for funds available in 2026.
Learn more about the Yéego Action Grant here.
Illuminations Grant for Black Trans Women Visual Artists (USA)
Submission period: To be announced soon
Eligibility: Black trans women working in visual art and based in the United States
The Illuminations Grant for Black Trans Women Visual Artists is an annual $10,000 grant awarded to provide critical support to Black trans women whose work has often been under-recognized in the visual art field. Now in its 5th year, the Illuminations Grant was developed and named in partnership with Mariette Pathy Allen, Aaryn Lang, and Serena Jara. Selected artists will receive additional professional development resources and further guidance to bolster their creative development in the field.
Learn more on their website.
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This list is meant as an ongoing resource to be updated and extended over time. If you are an organization offering funds that support education, or if you have one to suggest, feel free to reach out at support@phmuseum.com to help this article be as exhaustive as possible.
The PhMuseum Online Masterclasses Program is dedicated to providing a comprehensive learning experience for all participants, emphasizing quality teaching while alternating practice with theory. Applications for 2026/27 will open in March 2026, with classes running from October 2026 to May 2027. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates.
