Resources

Grant Opportunities

Verses Project Artist Grants

Verses Project has completed 2 rounds of our artist grant program in support of aspiring musicians. We have awarded grants of $1,000 to hip hop MCs, producers and DJs in an existing music endeavor.

Mid Atlantic Arts

ArtsCONNECT supports performing arts touring projects collaboratively developed by presenters working together in the mid-Atlantic region.

Art Bank Program

In support of local visual artists, District art galleries, and art nonprofit organizations, CAH acquires fine art. The ongoing and annual acquisition of art from metropolitan artists becomes a part of the Art Bank Collection. CAH manages artwork in the collection. It is then loaned to District Government agencies for display in public areas and offices of government buildings.

Arts and Humanities Education Project Grant Program

The grant supports delivering exemplary programs in arts and/or humanities education. These programs target students in grades pre-K to 12 and older adults ages 50 and up. Eligible programs can also assist teachers, educational staff, and teaching artists of Public Schools and Public Charter Schools in DC.

Capital Projects (formerly Facilities and Buildings)

Provides support to arts and humanities organizations pursuing capital projects and capital purchases. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to: project planning, professional services, equipment purchases, renovations, repairs, and facility purchases.

Color the Curb

Most recent deadline closed Monday, February 3, 2025, at 9 pm The District of Columbia Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) has partnered with the District of Department of Transportation (DDOT), as well as District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), to fund District-based artists experienced in large-scale exterior murals, youth engagement, and community-based projects to design and install ground murals at the intersections near schools in Washington, DC. Selected artists are granted funds for design, materials, fabrication, installation, personnel, and project management.

Civic Commissioned Projects

Supports the creation and installation of public artworks in public space in collaboration with other District agencies and/or community partners.

East Arts Grant Program (formerly East of the River)

The East Arts Project (EA) grant offers support to qualified nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations identify as BIPOC-centered organizations (Black, Indigenous, and people of color). This grant program supports providing exemplary arts and humanities experiences to residents in Northeast and Southeast DC.

Field Trip Experiences

This grant program supports various field trip elements. This grant program supports various field trip elements. These elements can include the cost of field trip tickets. Additionally, they could cover professional development opportunities for classroom educators. They could also include pre/post-field trip workshops for students. Funding may also be allocated to needed personnel support for the planning and implementation of the program. Funding may also be allocated to needed personnel support for the planning and implementation of the program.

General Operating Support

The General Operating Support (GOS) grant provides general operating support for arts, humanities, and arts education organizations.

Juried Exhibition Grant Program

The Juried Exhibition Grant provides support for District-based artists to exhibit their work in a juried, themed visual art exhibition. In addition to the award, it also provides the use of the 200 I (Eye) Street SE lobby exhibition space.

LiftOff Grant Program

The LiftOff grant offers support to qualified nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations are in the arts, humanities, arts education, and service sectors. The grant provides an opportunity to build infrastructural capacities of arts and humanities through professional development. CAH will award select applicants (“grantees”) a grant of funds to support the delivery of their proposed project. CAH, in consultation with program consultants, makes recommendations for final capacity-building projects. Funding may only be used to cover costs associated with capacity-building projects. These projects should be directly related to the work plan. The work plan is developed in collaboration with the program consultants.

Projects, Events, or Festivals

The Projects, Events, or Festivals (PEF) grant provides project support for individuals and organizations to execute projects. Eligible projects promote arts and humanities activities to a diverse range of communities within the District of Columbia. CAH also encourages community-based projects that share characteristics such as geographic location, common interests, or collective identities.

Public Art Building Communities

Supports the design, fabrication, and installation of permanent or temporary public artwork. Eligible projects enhance District neighborhoods by connecting artists and their artwork with communities.

Urban Design Plans

ASLA Legacy Project

Anacostia Urban Design Guidelines DC | Federal Lease Terminations

Coming soon

Artist Online Engagement Hub A dedicated digital space providing artists with access to a rich library of arts and culture topics, virtual meetings, and the ability to connect with fellow artists worldwide. This hub fosters collaboration, professional growth, and artistic exchange across borders. It also serves as a case management system, helping artists build their networks, ask questions, and receive guidance. Through this hub, artists are connected to a cadre of experts and professionals who work to create pathways for success. Additionally, the hub provides current artist housing information and job opportunities, ensuring that artists have access to essential resources to support their creative journeys.

Local & National Arts Organizations Connections to networks that support artistic growth.

Workshops & Training Programs Professional development for emerging and established artists.

Pathways to Careers Alliance is an innovative workforce development initiative designed to foster sustainable employment opportunities in the Anacostia area of Ward 8. Our mission is to empower individuals by providing a seamless network of resources, training, job placements, and continuous support, all aimed at unlocking pathways to meaningful careers in the Tech Sector.
Led by the Anacostia Arts and Culture District and our esteemed Pathways Consortium Partners, this collaborative effort seeks to break down barriers and create a lasting impact on workforce development in the region. By aligning with the strategies in the Pathways to Inclusion Report by Mayor Muriel Bowser and leveraging the expertise of top training and educational organizations, we are committed to equipping residents with the skills and opportunities necessary for long-term employment success.
This initiative is focused on delivering not only immediate job placements in Tech + Creative Tech but also ongoing career advancement, ensuring individuals can thrive in the workforce across the Anacostia area and the broader Ward 8 community. Together, we aim to build a strong, resilient workforce that drives economic growth and inclusion for all.

Studies, Whitepapers, Videos of a multitude of subjects

Local Arts Organizations