10 Early Career Artist Grants to Apply for in October 2026
Highlighting open grants available to emerging and early-career artists across disciplines. This month’s picks feature grants from Vimeo, The Hopper Prize, and more.
Check back every month for the latest opportunities.
Want a list of grant opportunities tailored to you? Join the Grant Coven.
FILMMAKERS: Vimeo Short Film
Deadline: October 16, 2026
Provides $60,000, equipment, mentorship, and more to five filmmakers for their next short film project. Intended for filmmakers who have directed at least two short films, but have yet to direct a feature. Learn more.
PHOTOGRAPHERS: PhotoWork Junior Fellowship
Deadline: October 15, 2026
Supporting early-career photographers in developing their work and creative voice through mentorship and financial support. Learn more.
LITERATURE WRITERS: Southern Prize for Literature
Deadline: October 7, 2026
Supporting writers engaged in developing book-length manuscripts. Must be a resident of South Arts’ nine-state region (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee). Learn more.
SCREENWRITERS: Cassian Elwes Independent Screenwriting Fellowship
Deadline: November 1, 2026
Identifying new talent in independent cinema by awarding one screenwriter an all-expenses-paid trip to the Sundance Film Festival. Learn more.
ILLUSTRATORS: Artist Ally Microgrants
Deadline: Various, through November 2026
Micro-grants supporting visual artists for whom drawing is the main process. Learn more.
VISUAL ARTISTS: VIA Artistic Production Grant
Deadline: November 5, 2026
Supporting the production of visual art in public spaces and non-traditional exhibition environments. Learn more.
PERFORMANCE: Rauschenberg Dancer Emergency Grants
Deadline: October 6, 2026
One-time grants for professional dancers facing dire financial emergencies. Learn more.
WOMEN ARTISTS: Charlene Victor & Ella J. Weiss Cultural Entrepreneur Fund
Deadline: October 11, 2026
Supporting professional development for the next generation of women artists and arts administrators. Learn more.
AAPI ARTISTS: The Creative Catalyst Fellowship
Deadline: October 15, 2026
Supporting artists whose work engages with the critical issues facing Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Learn more.
EVERYONE: The Hopper Prize
Deadline: November 10, 2026
Offering unrestricted cash grants to artists who show serious commitment to their artistic practice. Learn more.
To feature an opportunity from your organization on our blog, get in touch at ohhello@merrowandcrone.com.
