Your work matters. Your story matters too.

A $1,800 grant for artists, makers and creative stories.

ArtFund Me supports artists and creatives through quarterly grants designed to help people keep making, experimenting and sharing their work.

We welcome all mediums, all levels of experience and all creative backgrounds.

You do not need a perfect CV. You do not need gallery representation. You do not need formal training.

We want to see your work. We also want to hear the story behind it.

Skill and judgement-based. Not selected at random. Your application will be tagged to the current cycle automatically.

Applications open in

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Deadline: Thursday 20 August 2026, 11:59pm UK time

Live activity

A living space for creative stories.

Applications open on Monday 29 June 2026.

Application energy

Opening soon

Just opened Gathering stories Building momentum Final weeks Final 72 hours Applications closed Review in progress Winner announced

Applications open soon.

Story prompt

What made you keep going?

Every light represents a story shared with ArtFund Me.

Recent creative energy
PaintingPhotographySculptureFilmTextilesCeramicsPerformanceSoundWritingDigital ArtMixed MediaIllustrationInstallationCommunity ArtExperimental Practice PaintingPhotographySculptureFilmTextilesCeramicsPerformanceSoundWritingDigital ArtMixed MediaIllustrationInstallationCommunity ArtExperimental Practice

Current cycle signals

Recently shared with ArtFund Me.

3 artworks shared
3 stories submitted

Shown only from applicants who give permission for public preview. This creates momentum without showing exact applicant totals or implying limited places.

Community feature

Weekly Artist Spotlight

Three artists from the ArtFund Me community, refreshed weekly.

Featured artists are selected from applicants who gave public spotlight permission. Spotlight selection is separate from judging and does not affect the award outcome.

Award details

Summer 2026 Award

Each quarter, ArtFund Me awards one $1,800 grant to an artist, maker or creative storyteller.

18 artists will also receive Honorable Mentions and may be featured through the ArtFund Me website, email or social channels.

$1,800 Unrestricted grant

One selected artist receives funds to support their work, practice or next step.

18 Honorable Mentions

Additional artists are recognised each cycle and may be featured editorially.

Feature Website, email and social

Selected artists may be announced through ArtFund Me channels.

One grant. Eighteen honorable mentions. Every application reviewed with care.

  • $1,800 unrestricted grant
  • Feature on the ArtFund Me website
  • Social and email announcement
  • Optional interview/profile

How it works

A calm, clear review process.

1

Submit your work

Upload or link to examples of your creative practice.

2

Tell us your story

Share the personal history, journey or experience behind the work.

3

Panel review

Applications are reviewed using published criteria.

4

Winner announced

One artist receives $1,800. 18 artists receive Honorable Mentions.

Who can apply

All mediums. All backgrounds. All stages.

ArtFund Me is open to artists, makers and creative people aged 18+ anywhere in the world.

You can apply as an emerging, self-taught, independent, mid-career or established artist.

No perfect CV required. No formal training required. No gallery representation required.

PaintingPhotographySculptureInstallationPerformanceFilm and videoDigital artIllustrationTextilesCeramicsSoundWritingDesignStreet artMixed mediaCommunity artExperimental practiceAny other creative medium with a clear voice or story

Judging criteria

How applications are reviewed

35Strength of creative work
20Originality / personal voice
25Story, journey or lived experience
10Clarity of purpose: how the grant may help
10Overall emotional, creative or cultural impact

Dates and deadlines

Current cycle timeline.

Current cycleSummer 2026
Applications openMonday 29 June 2026
DeadlineThursday 20 August 2026, 11:59pm UK time
Review periodFriday 21 August 2026 - Wednesday 16 September 2026
Winner announcedThursday 17 September 2026
Next cycle opensFriday 18 September 2026
Next four upcoming cycles
CycleDeadlineWinner announced

Application guidance

What you'll need to apply

Application fee: $35 USD

The application fee is non-refundable and helps support the grant award, application review, administration, selected artist promotion, platform costs and the continued running of ArtFund Me.

Applications open 29 June
  • Your name
  • Email address
  • Country / city
  • Artist or creative name
  • Website, Instagram or portfolio link
  • Your main creative medium
  • Examples of your work
  • A short description of your creative practice
  • The personal story behind your work
  • How the $1,800 grant would support you right now

Honorable Mentions

18 additional artists recognised each cycle.

Honorable Mentions may be featured through the ArtFund Me website, email or social channels. Selection is based on the same published criteria and does not guarantee exposure or future opportunities.

FAQ

Clear answers before you apply.

Is this open to all mediums?

Yes. ArtFund Me welcomes all creative mediums including visual art, photography, performance, film, writing, textiles, sound, design, mixed media and experimental practice.

Do I need to be a professional artist?

No. You can be emerging, self-taught, independent, returning to your practice, mid-career or established.

Is the winner chosen randomly?

No. ArtFund Me is a skill and judgement-based creative award. Applications are reviewed against published criteria.

What is the application fee?

The application fee is $35 USD.

Is the application fee refundable?

No. Application fees are non-refundable.

What does the fee support?

The fee supports the grant award, review process, administration, selected artist promotion, platform costs and the running of ArtFund Me.

Why is the fee in USD if ArtFund Me is UK-based?

ArtFund Me is based in the UK but open to artists worldwide. We use USD because it is widely understood by international applicants.

Can international artists apply?

Yes. Artists and creatives aged 18+ can apply from anywhere in the world.

What are Honorable Mentions?

Each cycle, 18 artists receive Honorable Mentions and may be featured through the ArtFund Me website, email or social channels.

Can I submit more than one application?

Yes, but each application must be submitted separately and requires its own application fee. Each application is reviewed individually.

Do I keep copyright?

Yes. Applicants retain copyright of their work. Selected artists grant ArtFund Me permission to share submitted images, names, statements and links for promotional and editorial purposes.

How are weekly spotlight artists chosen?

Weekly spotlight artists are selected from applicants who gave public spotlight permission. The spotlight is refreshed weekly, is separate from judging and does not affect the award outcome.

Applications open 29 June