National Endowment for the Arts  
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LOCAL ARTS AGENCIES

Organizations referred to as arts councils, departments of cultural affairs, or arts commissions make up the field of local arts agencies (LAAs). LAAs can be private, nonprofit entities; others are public municipal, county, or regional agencies that operate in cooperation with mayors and city managers. In addition, the LAA field includes statewide assemblies and cultural service organizations that work specifically with local arts agencies in the coordination of cultural leadership (but only for projects that will predominantly serve LAAs).

Often LAAs make grant awards directly to both artists and nonprofit organizations working in a variety of artistic disciplines. Nearly all LAAs present programming to the public, manage cultural facilities, provide services to artists and arts organizations, and facilitate community cultural planning. In accomplishing this work, LAAs collaborate with other governmental departments (economic development, parks and recreation, libraries, and local education agencies/school districts), as well as with convention and visitor bureaus.

Collage of architectural drawings for Oats Park Art Center   Collage of wooded hillside, map, and urban setting

Architectural drawings of the Oats Park Art Center, Churchill Arts Council, Fallon, NV.

 

Local arts agencies work with a wide range of organizations and constituents in all arts disciplines.

Funding Opportunities for Local Arts Agencies

Grants for Arts Projects
CFDA No. 45.024

The National Endowment for the Arts' primary funding opportunities for organizations can be found here. An organization may submit only one application through one of the following FY 2014 Grants for Arts Projects categories (see "Application Limits" for the few exceptions to this rule). For most organizations, these categories represent the full range of funding options for the entire year. Applicants should examine the goal and purposes of their project as well as the review criteria of these categories, and apply to the one category that is most relevant. The Arts Endowment will not transfer applications between categories.

  • Art Works: To support the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence, public engagement with diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts, and the strengthening of communities through the arts. Within these areas, innovative projects are strongly encouraged. Grants generally range from $10,000 to $100,000. (Deadlines: March 7 and August 8, 2013)

  • Challenge America Fast-Track: To support projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations. Grants are for $10,000. (Deadline: May 23, 2013)

Our Town
CFDA No. 45.024

Organizations may apply for creative placemaking projects that contribute to the livability of communities and place the arts at their core. An organization may request a grant amount from $25,000 to $200,000. (Deadline: January 14, 2013)

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National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards

Outstanding community arts and humanities programs that celebrate the creativity of America's young people may apply for these awards. (Receipt deadline:February 4, 2013)

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