Funding guidelines and application info

Artist grant opportunities

Professional development for artists grant program

The Arts Council’s Professional Development for Artists (PDA) Grant Program provides support for specific projects that advance the careers of artists in Hillsborough County.

Artists may apply for up to $2,000 for one of two purposes:

  • Education experience – residency, workshop, conference
  • Equipment – permanent, non-disposable equipment

The grant period is January 1- August 15, and artists may apply for up to $2,000. The PDA grant program is reimbursement-based, meaning you must be able to pay for your proposal expenses and receive reimbursement after submitting paid receipts. If you still have questions after reading this page, please contact us at Arts@Hillsboroughcounty.org.

Artist Grants

Stories of success:

Renato Rampolla
Renato Rampolla, a brilliant local street photographer, is a proud past PDA Grant recipient. Renato used his funds to purchase a new 24-millimeter lens for his Sony camera, which he uses to create intimate, captivating portraits of Tampa’s homeless community. His portraits succeed in showing the beauty and intrigue of our fellow human beings. Sales from his book, entitled “Dignity No Matter What: The Light Within”, went toward proving homeless in our area much needed food and clothing. You can learn more about Renato and his work at RenatoRampolla.com

Eligibility requirements

  • An active literary, performing or visual artist with commitment to your art career
  • Able to show successful experience as an emerging or established artist
  • Must be 21 years of age or older
  • Permanent resident of Hillsborough County for one year prior to application submission and remain so throughout the funding period
  • Have not received any type of artist grant from the Arts Council within the last three years
  • Full-time, arts-related faculty in higher education are not eligible
  • Applicants and recipients may not enroll in, or be currently enrolled in, any undergraduate or graduate degree program during the time their funded project is in progress.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Important dates

Professional Development for Artists Grant applications will be accepted: July 8 – July 26, 2024

Grant review process

The Advisory Board meeting where grant scores will be reviewed is September 3, 2024. The board will discuss applications and announce their scores. The meeting is open to the public and all current applicants, and any artists considering applying for a grant in the future, are strongly urged to attend. 

The applications are reviewed using a scoring rubric by the Arts Council’s Advisory Board.

Learn more

 

More details on what the grant will pay for, who can apply, deadlines, and commonly asked questions.

Learn more

See what you’ll need to complete the application process.

Learn more

Arts organizations and artists receiving funding must display the Hillsborough County logo on all promotional materials and give proper credit for funding, as stated in the grant contract, to increase awareness of local funding for the arts and its importance. Artists must display credit for funding on their website, in social media, printed and electronic collateral by displaying the logos and/or a text statement.  

Learn more

Ready to apply?

Log on, create an account and take the eligibility quiz. You can start your application now and come back later to finish. Make sure you’ve read the complete guidelines here before you begin.