the open fund artist project grant

The Open Fund Artist Project Grant supports visual artist initiatives that are experimental, collaborative, and public-oriented. This includes wide-reaching and innovative projects that are unique to communities and the culture at large.

Examples of past recipients include the presentation of creative and experimental work via film screenings, exhibition series, pop-up presentations, printed matter, educational models, and civic sites, in addition to other inventive models of artistic engagements.

The Open Fund will award $180,000 in grants in 2026 to support at least 18 projects by visual artists or artist groups residing in Wisconsin.

What We Fund

• Projects that have a publicly accessible component

• Projects could include exhibitions or installations held in temporary spaces, new publications, a series of events or performances, digital initiatives, public art projects, and other activities that are related to the visual arts

• Priority is given to collaborative projects

What We Do Not Fund

• An individual artist presenting exclusively their own work

• Projects that are part of the programming of a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization

• Projects at a commercial gallery or by businesses

• Projects that do not offer an opportunity for free public engagement

• Projects with the primary focus on film or video production, marketing or distribution.