Art is the Solution

Art is the Solution

ART IS THE SOLUTION is an annual grant program of the Santa Fe Arts Commission. The program typically awards five $10,000 grants to Santa Fe-based artists and art collectives for art and culture projects that focus on arts and culture, culminating in a public engagement or exhibition for the benefit of both local residents and visitors. This grant encourages artists to explore and showcase how art can be a solution to a wide range of challenges or questions, whether personal, societal, environmental, or otherwise.

The next cycle will open for applications on April 1, 2026 and close June 1, 2026. Grants will be awarded by July 2026 for completion by June 2027.

Applications are juried by the Arts Commission, a volunteer advisory committee, and funded by Lodgers’ Tax through the city’s Arts & Culture Department.

We welcome applications from artists of all backgrounds and disciplines, including visual art, film/video, literature, architecture, music composition, performing arts, culinary arts, design, new media, and interdisciplinary arts.

Project examples might include artworks, public art installations, community workshops, performances, exhibits, publication projects such as zines, books, or anthologies, multimedia work, collaborative/interdisciplinary partnerships, and many other possible forms.

Potential applicants should carefully read the requirements to ensure they are able to meet them, if funded. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

1. Residency: Artists must be residents of Santa Fe County. 
2. Project Location: Projects must take place within Santa Fe City or County. 
3. Project Timeline: All projects must be completed, with a public presentation scheduled, by June 30 of the year awarded. 
4. Public Engagement: Projects must include a component that engages the public, ensuring accessibility and community involvement. 
5. Reapplication Rule: Previous recipients of “Art is the Solution” funding must wait two years before applying again. 

Ineligible Applicants: 

• City of Santa Fe-operated programs 
• Current Arts and Culture Department-funded projects 
• City of Santa Fe employees 
• Incorporated organizations (including but not limited to 501(c)3s) and LLCs 
• Applicants who have received Art is the Solution funding in either of the previous two cycles

Evaluation Criteria: 

• Project Description and Artistic Concept (40 points): How well does the project respond to the "Art is the Solution" prompt? Is the concept original and creatively compelling? 
• Artistic Quality (30 points): Demonstrated proficiency and skill in the chosen medium. 
• Community Engagement (30 points): Evidence of a plan for accessible, strong public engagement that takes into account the diverse community of Santa Fe.  

Application Process: 

Applications must be submitted online via JotForm by the deadline of June 1.  

The application will request: 

• Contact information 
• A detailed project description 
• A description of the artist's background and proficiency in their medium, along with a work sample 
• A community engagement plan 
• An evaluation plan to determine project success 
• A project budget 

The application link will be posted when next cycle opens. 

Selection Process: 

Applications will be reviewed by members of the Arts Commission, with awards announced at the July Arts Commission Meeting. Selected artists will enter into a contractual agreement with the Arts and Culture Department. 

Questions?

Please contact Arts & Culture Department staff at artsandculture@santafenm.gov.