Virginia Beach Announces New Grants for Individual Artists and Neighborhood Arts Initiatives

Local artists and community organizations now have access to two new grant opportunities aimed at supporting creative projects and artists' professional development.

Individual Artist Support Grant and the Creative Neighborhoods Grant are designed to drive continued growth in the city’s vibrant arts community. Funded through a new revenue stream, created by the City Council’s allocation of 20 percent of admission taxes to arts funding, these grants build on the vision of Arts Plan 2030.

“By supporting individual artists and neighborhood arts projects, we’re ensuring that the arts are available in all corners of Virginia Beach, creating more opportunities for connection and creativity, and helping to build a more vibrant and inclusive Virginia Beach,” said Emily S. Labows, director of Cultural Affairs, the department offering the grants.

Grant guidelines and how to apply can be found at VirginiaBeach.gov/ArtsGrants

Individual Artists Support Grant Overview

The Virginia Beach Individual Artists Support Grants are designed to support Virginia Beach artists by offering resources to enhance their artistic practice, achieve professional growth, build their portfolios, and engage with the community to contribute to the cultural vibrancy of Virginia Beach. Deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on Jan. 24, 2025.

Artist Eligibility Criteria

1. Open to individual artists who reside in Virginia Beach. (Proof of residency required.)
2. Applicants are at least 18 years of age by the application due date.
3. In the past three years, the applicant must have created and presented their own original works to the public or performed for the public (documentation required in a CV or resume.)
4. The applicant must have a professional portfolio that includes published and/or publicly displayed work.
5. Demonstrate a clear investment of time and resources into the creation of new work. 

Virtual Workshops
Applicants interested in submitting a grant application may attend a virtual workshop covering the submission process. Workshops will provide an overview of the program, application tips, and the review process.

• 4 p.m., Nov. 13
• Noon, Dec. 11
• Noon, Jan. 8, 2025

Creative Neighborhoods Grant Overview

The Creative Neighborhoods Grant Program is designed to empower and inspire communities by providing financial support for neighborhood-based art projects. This pilot program aims to foster a sense of pride, unity and creativity within neighborhoods and districts by funding projects that beautify public spaces, celebrate local culture, and engage residents in the artistic process.

The Creative Neighborhoods Grants support arts organizations, civic/neighborhood associations, individual artists, groups of artists, non-arts nonprofits, and community-based organizations and businesses with project expenses associated with presenting multigenerational, free gatherings with arts components or short-term art projects in communities. These activities should bring the community together, enhance the neighborhood, and reflect its unique character. Deadline to apply is Jan. 31, 2025.

Eligibility Criteria
Applicants can be the following:

• Civic leagues/non-profit neighborhood associations
• Non-profit organizations
• Artists
• Businesses

Virtual Workshops
Applicants interested in submitting a grant application may attend a virtual workshop covering the submission process. Workshops will provide an overview of the program, application tips, and the review process.

• Noon, Nov. 15
• 4 p.m., Dec. 11
• 4 p.m., Jan. 8, 2025

Applications for both grant programs are now open. For more information, visit VirginiaBeach.gov/ArtsGrants.

About the City of Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department
The Cultural Affairs Department is a driving force behind Virginia Beach’s thriving arts, heritage and cultural landscape. Through dynamic and meaningful experiences, the department connects residents and visitors alike, fostering stronger, more vibrant communities. In addition to leading the City’s Public Art Program and overseeing the Virginia Beach History Museums and the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, the department guides the Virginia Beach Arts & Humanities Commission and manages partnerships with key institutions including Virginia MOCA, Virginia African American Cultural Center and the ViBe Creative District. As a vital resource to local arts and humanities organizations, Cultural Affairs ensures that the arts remain at the heart of our city’s identity and growth.