2026 Individual Artist Grant

Arts & Humanities Bainbridge is excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for the 2026 Individual Artist Grant. The goal of the Individual Artist Grant is to support the creation of new work by eligible artistic professionals, including emerging artists (high school age and older). We are looking to support artists who live, primarily work, or maintain a studio on Bainbridge Island. and help them continue to contribute their art and unique talents. Click Here To Apply

Application Deadline: October 19th.

Grant amount: Up to $1,000

Anticipated Number Of Awarded Grants: Seven (Including one grant provided by the Mike and Nancy Lewars Memorial Fund.)

About The Mike and Nancy Lewars Memorial Fund: One of our seven artists grants is made possible thanks to the Mike and Nancy Lewars Memorial Fund. Established by the Arts & Humanities Board of Directors in memory of two cherished members of the Bainbridge Island community who were passionate supporters of the arts and dedicated to enriching the cultural life of our island. Contributions to the fund can be made here: https://givebutter.com/3i3MyU

Who Can Apply: Artists who live, primarily work, or maintain a studio on Bainbridge Island. Artists at any stage of their practice are encouraged to apply, including emerging artists and high school students. Grant recipients should plan to attend a celebratory reception on 11/17 at Bainbridge Arts and Crafts, and commit to joining us for at least one Bainbridge Art Walk.

What can the grant support: Funding may support the creation of new work, development of an existing project, materials, equipment, professional development, research, collaboration, documentation, exhibition or performance expenses, or other costs that support an artist's practice.

How to Apply?
This year, we are requesting artists submit their applications online. Click here to fill out the application form: https://forms.gle/1Wcas5equuikQXeA9

Need Assistance With Your Application?
AHB wants this application to be accessible to artists with different communication styles, abilities, and circumstances. If you need an accommodation or assistance completing the application, please contact admin@ahbainbridge.org

Application PDF Document: https://bainbridgecurrents.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/bainbridgecurrents.com/images/2026/10/2026-Individual-Artist-Grant-AHB.pdf

Judging Criteria:

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of jurors. Applications from emerging artists (including high school students) are encouraged. Applications will be first reviewed for completeness and eligibility. Jurors can ask applicants to clarify a point (s) if deemed necessary. Eligible applications will be evaluated based on how well they demonstrate alignment with the evaluation criteria. Each criterion will be assigned a score; the maximal score varies as a function of the weight of the criterion. The scores will be collated and determine the ranking of the applications. Jurors will first review applications individually, and then meet to discuss their scores as a group. The final ranking will be determined by the panel of jurors.

Creativity and originality (score 1→10)

● Jurors will look for works that reveal an original approach to process and subject matter

Emergence of personal vision (score 1→15)

● Jurors will look for works that represent a sense of the artist or work that are individualistic in their presentation, execution or ideas. “Do I come away from the work feeling like I know something about the artist who created it”

Skills and Technique (score 1→5)

● The jury will look for mastery of a particular medium.

Feasibility (score 1→5)

● Does the application demonstrate that the project will be realized within the funding period?

Community benefits (score 1→10)

● Does the application define the community the project hopes to serve, interact and engage with? Does the application clearly outline how this will happen?