Advancing the Arts Grant Program

NEW: Spring 2024 Public Art Forward (up to $15,000) application period has been reopened.
Proposals due by 5 pm June 2, 2024. Learn more here.

"My Art Goes Walking," a Spring 2017 AE grant-funded project by Elkton Middle School

Since 2001, Arts Council of the Valley (ACV) has awarded more than $498,300 to support community-based initiatives in the City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County through its Advancing the Arts grant program. These funds are awarded to organizations, art educators, and artists working in the visual, performing, and literary arts.

Advancing the Arts grants are awarded in two categories, Arts for Education (AE) and Creative Inspiration (CI). AE grants are provided to educators and educational organizations, including public schools and colleges, for projects related to educational advancement. CI grants are aimed at reaching artists and art groups for personal or professional creative advancement.

Advancing the Arts grants are awarded in two cycles, fall and spring; awardees may receive one grant per calendar year. Candidates may submit requests ranging from $500-$1,500; ACV does not require matching project funds for grant submissions.

Thanks to the generosity of the Forward family, a new grant category was added in 2023. CLICK HERE to learn more about the newly reopened $15,000 Public Art Forward grant cycle, with applications for works of sculpture due by 5 pm June 2, 2024.