FY27 Professional and Workforce Development Grant for Artists Guidelines

DRAFT

APPLICATION OPEN: TBD
APPLICATION DEADLINE: At least 30 days before the proposed project (while funds remain available)
GRANT AMOUNT: Up to $2,000 (no match)*
ELIGIBILITY SNAPSHOT: Individual, Nevada resident, 21 years or older, non-student
TIME PERIOD OF SUPPORT: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027

STAFF CONTACTS:

Sapira Cheuk | Artist Services Specialist 
scheuk@nevadaculture.org
702-486-3744  

Stephen Reid | Artist Services Specialist 
sreid@nevadaculture.org
775-687-7108 

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

The Professional and Workforce Development Grant (PDG) from the Nevada Arts Council assists Nevada artists, with funding support for participation in professional development and skills-building activities that contribute to significant professional and career growth in the arts. Eligible opportunities include conferences, workshops, classes, artist residencies, and seminars. PDG funds cover only the following costs related to the proposed activity: registration fees, travel, and lodging. To offer flexibility and expedite funding, PDG grants will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and awarded through reimbursement. Grant funds are limited, so early submission is encouraged.

Applicants must apply for a PDG at least 30 days before the event. To receive PDG reimbursement grant funds, applicants must complete a claim request online and submit all required receipts within 45 days of event completion or June 30, 2027 (whichever is first).  

To stay in compliance and be eligible for future Nevada Arts Council grants, grantees must submit the Final Report by the deadline stated in the award packet.

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility requirements must be met at the time of application. 

  • Must be a current Nevada resident and have been in residence for at least one year prior to the date of the grant application  
  • Must be a practicing artist or creative (please see grant and award policy for full list of funded artistic practices) 
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or have legal permanent resident status 
  • Must be at least 21 years old 
  • Must not be enrolled as degree-seeking student in a field related to the type of grant for which they are applying 

GRANT AMOUNT: Up to $2,000 (No match required) * reimbursement grant, available on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the fiscal year while funds are available. Receipts and documentation of expenses must be provided with the claim request and must match the approved expenses. 

Funds may be used for relevant professional development expenses including, registration fees (excluding Nevada Arts Council event registration fees), and travel (accommodation and transportation only). 

Eligible applicants can receive up to one PDG grant per fiscal year.

In addition to the General Funding Restrictions in the current Grant and Award Policies, grant funds may NOT be used for: 

  • Expenses outside the grant period 
  • Expense reimbursed or covered by other sources such as employer or host organization 
  • Travel outside of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.  
  • Registration fees for Nevada Arts Council sponsored events

Evaluation and Scoring

Nevada Arts Council staff will review applications for eligibility, completeness, and adherence to the requirements below. Applications that meet all eligibility and project requirements are awarded in the order in which they are received while funds remain available. A record of the review process is maintained for all applications. Grants are contingent on available funding as approved by the Nevada Arts Council Board. Application will be evaluated based on the following criteria:  

  • Artist provides evidence of an engaged artistic or creative practice 
  • Development opportunity includes clear learning objectives and achievable outcomes  
  • Development opportunity relates to the applicant’s artistic, business management, or technical development 

HOW TO APPLY

  1. Review the current Grant and Award Policies for additional information about the requirements associated with Nevada Arts Council Grants. Grant terms and conditions are subject to changing state and federal regulations during the grant period of performance. The Nevada Arts Council will post and inform awardees of any changes if/as soon as they are available.
  2. Complete the application online

Resources

  1. Before filling out this application, gather the following narratives and support materials to make the process easier:
    • Unexpired ID and proof of residency
    • Evidence of an engaged artistic practice such as resume, CV, online presence, and work samples
    • Information about the professional development opportunity such as:
      • Conference website
      • Workshop description and course outline
      • Impact statement on applicant’s personal craft
    • Associated travel costs such as:
      • Hotel booking confirmation
      • Estimated mileage
      • Airplane booking confirmation 
  2. Review additional resources for grant applicants
  3. If you need translation or language assistance, please contact the Grants Program at grants@nevadaculture.org 

*Grant award amount is subject to change based upon available funding.