South Arts 2026-2027 Arts in Rural Places Grants
South Arts is accepting applications on a rolling basis for the 2026-2027 Arts in Rural Places program. It provides up to $3,000 per applicant to support fees for visiting Southern artists and community arts experiences in rural, geographically isolated, or small communities. This is a financial-assistance grant, not a purchase of services by a government agency.
Deadline and award
Rolling applications, through April 30, 2027 while funds remain available. Apply at least 60 days before the proposed event. Eligible activities must occur between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027; the activity-specific 60-day lead time and June 30 program-end rule may create an earlier practical deadline. The award is limited to 50% of the artist fee, with a maximum request of $3,000; a 1:1 cash match is required and in-kind contributions do not substitute for the cash match. Funding is subject to availability.
Applicant eligibility
Eligible applicants are qualifying tax-exempt nonprofits, local/county/state governmental units, or eligible tribal organizations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Tennessee. They must serve a rural/isolated community or a town of 50,000 or fewer, have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and engage a professional artist who resides in the nine-state region. Community organizations, schools, libraries, cultural organizations, and museums may qualify. For-profit entities, individuals, organizations outside the service area, and fiscally sponsored applicants are not eligible.
Permitted activity and submission
Each proposal must include both a public performance, exhibition, screening, or reading and a separate educational/community engagement event (for example, a workshop, discussion, or demonstration) involving the guest artist. Submit through South Arts’ online grants system, including the signed artist agreement/letter of intent with dates and fee, applicant eligibility documentation, artist biography and work samples, and other required supporting materials. Activity duration and accessibility requirements apply. General operating funding and programs lacking the required artist/public-engagement components do not qualify.
Controlling official guidelines and application: https://www.southarts.org/grants-opportunities/arts-rural-places. Source verified November 6, 2026; applicants should confirm remaining funding and event-specific timing directly with South Arts.