Applications Open for Mass Cultural Council’s 2026 Grants for Creative Individuals ($5,000)
by ArtsHub Team
Mass Cultural Council has announced that applications are now open for the Grants for Creative Individuals program, offering $5,000 unrestricted grants to artists, culture bearers, and creative practitioners across Massachusetts.
This is the state agency’s primary program for supporting individual creatives and builds on past initiatives such as the Artist Fellowships, Cultural Sector Recovery Grants for Individuals, and Traditional Arts Apprenticeships. The program was launched in FY24 as part of Mass Cultural Council’s Racial Equity Plan and continues to prioritize equitable access for practitioners across the Commonwealth.
About the Grants
The program provides unrestricted support—meaning recipients can use the funds in whatever way best sustains their artistic or cultural practice. For FY26, the Council plans to award approximately 450 grants through a review process that considers geographic distribution, funding priorities, and evaluations from reviewers drawn from Massachusetts’ creative and cultural sector.
Applicants from all creative fields are welcome, including:
- Visual artists
- Literary artists
- Theater artists
- Performers
- Film/media artists
- Musicians
- Designers
- Culture bearers and traditional artists
- Drag artists
- Cross-disciplinary artists
Support and Guidance
To assist applicants, the Council will host an optional online information session on September 18, 2025, at 11 AM. A recorded version will also be posted to Mass Cultural Council’s YouTube channel by late September. Staff will be available through online office hours and by email to answer questions, and application tips are available on the program website.
Key Dates
- Application deadline: October 28, 2025, at 11:59 PM (ET)
- Info session: September 18, 2025, at 11 AM
How to Apply
Read the program guidelines and tips on applying, then submit your application through the Mass Cultural Council website.