artist professional development grants

Artist Professional Development Grants promote the growth and development of visual art in Kentucky by helping improve the critical skills, resources, knowledge, and connections of fine artists. APDG Grants support and forward artists’ careers by encouraging them to engage with the broader contemporary art world and raising the bar for art being produced in the region. Developing fine artists’ awareness of and participation in the national and international contemporary art world, this program aims to strengthen the level of critical discourse among artists in the state.

Encouraged Activities for Funding:

• Travel to see contemporary art exhibitions, installations, performance art events, or visual art festivals outside of the region that can help the artist develop a broader knowledge and critical engagement with contemporary art and its concerns.Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate that travel will help create connections and strengthen their practice.
• Travel to meet with professional colleagues (such as critics, curators, other artists, etc.) outside of the region to explore partnerships.Preference will be given to applicants who have clear and demonstrable outcomes in mind.
• Travel outside of the region for participation or attendance at symposia, conferences, and seminars relating to the applicant’s practice.Preference will be given to applicants who can outline how travel will support and develop their practice.
• Special consideration will be given to applicants who are participants at a conference, seminar, or symposium.