Creative Pinellas Artist Grants 2025-26

Creative Pinellas presents funding opportunities for Pinellas County Artists working in the genres of film, music, performance, visual, and writing or composition.

Arts Ignite Fund: Up to $500 to close a budget gap for an art project or effort; think materials, Artist pay, rental fees, etc.

Arts Impact Fund: Between $3000 and $10,000 to create & present art in Pinellas County. 21 Artists – planned at these levels:

• 1 – $10,000
• 2 – $7000
• 13 – $5000
• 4 – $3000

Download the Application Planning Packet now to prepare your application for submission beginning August 1, 2025.

Download Here

 

About Impact Fund artwork

• For April – May 2026, Creative Pinellas is hosting the Making Waves celebration across Pinellas County
• Applying for an Impact Fund grant means you’re applying to create & present artwork as part of Making Waves
• Artists play a vital role in shaping conversations around environmental stewardship and the importance of preserving our natural environment for visitors and residents alike
• Artists selected for Impact Fund will create & present artwork that is environmentally focused
• Artists will apply with a Pinellas County location for the “present” position that is easily accessible to visitors and residents alike – think of parks, beaches, other natural spaces, and environmentally connected places throughout the County
• Regarding the question of insurance and permits: Insurance and permits are not required, per se, by Impact Fund, but they may be required by the location of the “present” part of an idea
• Themes of sustainability, conservation, climate resilience, and our region’s rich biodiversity are ripe for the creative practice
• Artwork should raise awareness, inspire action, and/or celebrate the connection between art and the environment
• Artist should consider meaningful audience participation and engagement

Potential Arts Impact Fund partners

Organizations listed here have indicated that they invite Artists to contact them as potential locations for the “present” part of an Impact Fund artwork. Organizations have not been reviewed for qualifications by Creative Pinellas. We’ll expand the list as we hear from organizations.

Gallery in Studios at 5663 in Pinellas Park
Lot next to Studios at 5663 in Pinellas Park

Qualifications for Ignite Fund and Impact Fund

• Apply as an individual, not as a nonprofit / other organization
• Applicants must reside in Pinellas County – with annual residency for at least 6 months + 1 day and have a Pinellas address for application
• Age 18+ at time of application
• Did not receive a grant for Impact Fund 2024-25, Sixstar Performing Arts Fund 2024-25, FloridaRAMA Fund 2024-25
• Ignite Fund 2024-25 recipients may only apply for Impact Fund, not Ignite Fund again
• Was not selected for Lealman CRA, Tax Collector, PODS Murals 2024-25
• If you were selected for a 2024-25 Hurricane Relief Grant or a 2024-25 Signal Box, you are OK to apply

Timeline for both opportunities

• Month of August – applications accepted in Submittable system; all applicants will need a free Submittable account
• September / October – panel review occurs
• November / December – agreements signed / Ignite funds provided
• January – Impact funds provided / Impact Artist gathering
• May – final month for any project deliverables
• June – reports due

Frequently asked questions

• 1. 1. Is Creative Pinellas matching Impact Artists to locations, before or after applications are submitted?
        No, Creative Pinellas is not matching Artists to locations, but we may be able to support brainstorming

   

  1. 1. May my grant idea be part of a bigger project? Does my whole project for Impact or Ignite have to end by May 2026?
        Artists often have projects that start before and end after our funding period, and it’s OK to apply to this grant for a particular part of a larger project

   

  1. 1. Could an Impact Fund artwork’s “presentation” part happen just one time during the months of April and May?
        Yes; just be clear in the application how it’s compelling for it to happen one time

   

  1. 1. Could an installation be permanent but initially celebrated in April and/or May?
        Yes; just be clear with your location that this is the case

   

  1. 1. May my Impact Fund artwork occur inside, or does it have to be outdoors?
        Yes; just be clear how the location is accessible to visitors and benefits the artwork and Impact Fund’s requirements

   

  1. 1. May I appear in more than one grant application?
        An Artist may be the lead on one application but may appear as a collaborator or subcontractor in other applications

   

  1. 1. May a friend support me in applying? Or may I list someone in my life to be able to chat with Creative Pinellas on my behalf if I’m selected? How should a band or a collective or some Artistic partners apply?
        An Artist may list a support person and a collaborator in their application; listing these people allows Creative Pinellas to then speak about the application with the additional parties

   

  1. 1. If I’m chosen for a grant, may my personal LLC receive my grant?
        Yes

   

  1. 1. May I mention in the application that though I’ve secured funds, they are contingent upon me receiving the Creative Pinellas grant?
        Yes; and for any additional funds, cash or in-kind, please also include a letter or similar correspondence that shows status of the support

   

  1. May I set up a meeting with a staff member if I have additional questions about my idea?
     Yes; In the month of July, an Artist may request a consultation about artwork concepts for Ignite Fund or Impact Fund through grants@creativepinellas.org; include name, phone, email, two-sentence artwork idea summary; a specific question, and times you’re available between 8:30a and 6p, Mon-Fri to receive a phone call – please note that responses may be provided via email rather than via phone