Program Description
ArtSpark is an innovative career development program for visual and performing artists living in Maricopa County who are recent high school or post-secondary graduates (within the past 18 months). This program will support the development of emerging artists by providing business development classes and financial support, ensuring creative professionals have the tools they need to bolster our economy. During the ten-month program, artists will be required to attend workshops and mentorship sessions, create new work, and deliver an engagement opportunity for the community to experience it.
The impacts of ArtSpark are:
- To provide advancement opportunities to visual and performing artists in Maricopa County.
- To assist recent graduates with the necessary funding and development tools to build vibrant, successful careers in the arts.
- To provide financial support to create new work that increases sustainable economic opportunities for the artist.
- To develop a network of arts mentors that support and develop the next generation of creative professionals.
- To empower artists with an entrepreneurial mindset through a partnership with small business incubation programs.
- To cultivate a sustainable and robust arts economy.
Important Dates
Funding cycle: January 1 - June 30, 2027
Submissions open: Monday, October 5, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
Application deadline: Monday, November 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
If funded, artists must be available for the following dates for the mandatory professional development sessions held on Wednesdays from 3 - 6 p.m.
- January 13, 2027
- February 10, 2027
- March 10, 2027
- April 14, 2027
Award
Each awardee will receive a $5,000 stipend contingent on attending mandatory professional development courses and the creation of new work. Additional funding, minimum $1,000 up to a maximum of $2,500 may be requested to cover the costs of materials and production of the project proposed within the application. The total award amount is up to $7,500.
Funds will be dispersed as follows:
- $2,500 + 25% of the project amount upon acceptance of the award.
- $2,500 upon successful completion of professional development courses.
- 75% of the project amount upon submission of final receipts and final report. The final report is due 15 days after the completion of the project or by October 1, 2027, whichever comes first.
- Awardees should note that award money is taxable income and must be reported. Scottsdale Arts will provide a 1099 form at the end of the tax year in which the funds were received.
- Credit must be given to Scottsdale Arts on all digital and print materials related to the project.
Eligibility
To be considered for the program, the applicant must:
- Be an individual artist in any of the following disciplines: visual art, dance, music, theater, photography, literary arts, film, media arts, or interdisciplinary arts.
- Be a resident of Maricopa County and maintain residency throughout the duration of the project.
- Be a practicing artist defined as one who produces artwork on a regular basis.
- Be over the age of 18 by program start date.
- Be a graduate from high school or any post-secondary institution within 18 months from program start date.
Ineligibility
The applicant will be deemed ineligible if they:
- Are applying on behalf of an organization, collective, company, band, group, ensemble, or are a part of a collaborative team.
- Are enrolled in full-time study at any time during the duration of the program.
- Are not a resident of Maricopa County.
- Are a board member, staff member, or immediate family member of staff at Scottsdale Arts.
Funding
The award amount includes a $5,000 stipend, contingent on attending professional development courses and creating new work. Additional funding, minimum $1,000 up to a maximum of $2,500 may be requested to cover the costs of materials and production of the community engagement activity proposed within the application. The community engagement activity must connect to the new work created in the program. Costs must be listed in detail using the budget form. Below is a listing of approved and unapproved expenses that may be included in your project budget.
The project budget may include:
- Professional development, creation, and presentation of new work for emerging, individual artists residing in Maricopa County.
- Purchasing supplies, materials, and equipment (to a maximum of $500 in value per item) necessary to complete the proposed artwork associated with the proposed project.
- Costs with producing a performance.
- Costs associated with marketing (up to 20% of project budget).
- Photography or videography of work.
The project budget may not include:
- Direct payment to the applicant for services related to the production of the project
- Operational or overhead costs, e.g., rent, subscriptions, etc.
- Capital expenditures over $500, e.g., computer, instrument, equipment, etc.
- Travel for the artist outside of Maricopa County
- Tuition costs
- Loans or debts unrelated to the project costs
- Competitions, pageants, or fundraising events
- Building projects
- Multi-year commitments
Studio Space
Studio space is available at no charge to awardees during the duration of the program, January through June. The studio is located at the Cattle Track Arts Compound (6501 N. Cattletrack Rd., Scottsdale, AZ, 85250).
Community Engagement
An essential aspect of this program is to present the work created in a public space. The type of community engagement depends on the art form but may include an exhibition, a public reading, a performance, or a workshop. Community engagement should be at least 2 hours in addition to the creation of the project itself. Community engagement must be connected to the new work funded and should be replicable in the future.
Community Engagement Examples:
- A visual artist creates new work, exhibits the work in a public space, and hosts an artists’ talk at the opening of the exhibition.
- A musician creates new work and performs work at a public event.
- A literary artist publishes new work and hosts a reading at a local coffee shop.
Work Samples
Three work samples must be submitted with the application. One of the samples must be of work created within the last year. Example file types are listed below, including at least one still image.
Dance and Theater
Video excerpts of work, including title and name(s) of dancer(s), choreographer(s), director(s), performer(s), and role played by applicant, and time marking where the panel should begin reviewing the sample.
Visual Art and Design
Photographic samples including title, medium, and size.
Literature
Typed excerpts no longer than 25 pages in length.
Media Art
Video excerpts including title, genre, and role of the applicant.
Music
Audio or video files, including title, name(s) of performer(s), instrument(s), and role of the applicant in creating the work.
Review Process
The applications will be reviewed by panelists comprised of artists, community members, and business professionals selected, organized, and led by Scottsdale Arts staff. The following criteria will be used when reviewing applications.
Artistic Excellence
- Clarity of artistic statement
- Qualifications, background and experience of the artist
- Work samples
- Program alignment with artistic goals
Impact of Community Engagement Project
- Project shows a unique impact on the community
- Budget reflects project expenses and is clear and organized.
This program is competitive. An application may or may not be funded depending on the number of applicants, the amount of available award money, and the application score based on the above criteria. Acceptance of application does not mean it will be automatically funded. All applicants will be notified of results prior to funding cycle.
Proposal Writing Tips
- Read the above guidelines carefully to determine if you are eligible for the program.
- Write clearly and simply. Assume the reader does not know anything about your project or art form.
- Present concrete plans with deadlines, specific goals, and evidence of planning, research, and experience.
- Clearly articulate how the program will benefit you as an artist in the long term; this program is not just about the creation of new work or community engagement, but also about how it will advance your career as an artist.
- Ensure the budget aligns with the narrative.
- Ask someone else to proofread your application before submitting it to ensure it is free of errors and that outcomes are clearly stated.
Exhibition call for art — Scottsdale Civic Center Public Gallery in the Civic Center Library, 3839 N Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale AZ 85251 The Wisdom - on display, April 13-2027 – June 30, 2027 This is a juried exhibition of artwork by Arizona artists aged 65 years and older. Some of the most moving, insightful art comes from artists who bring decades of lived experience to their work. The emotional vocabulary that comes from navigating life’s challenges brings wisdom, humor, and wonder. Older artists have plenty to say, mostly that they’re not done. GALLERY INFORMATION: Artworks can be any size up to 52 inches wide x 52 inches long for wall hanging. Recommended sculptural dimension limits for pedestals are 20 inches high x 15 inches deep x 15 inches wide. The gallery is 680 square feet, with 8-foot-tall walls, electric and data availability in the floor, and a cable and latch-hook hanging system. The gallery walls shall not be pierced or affected by the art installation and the hanging system must be used. D-rings must be on the back of work to accommodate the hanging system. Wall-hung artworks shall be at most 90 pounds each. Artworks are insured while on display. Exhibiting artists are eligible for an honorarium. The Civic Center Public Gallery is open during library hours, check hours here: ScottsdaleLibrary.org/locations#civic Selected artists are responsible for delivery and pick-up of artwork. We do not cover shipping. The artwork will be installed under the direction and support of the Scottsdale Public Art preparatory staff. Work must meet gallery standards, be professionally presented, and be ready to hang/install when brought for installation. Please note: Existing artwork that fits this theme may be submitted for this call. The artwork must be acceptable for all ages. Artwork is not for sale at the gallery. All purchase inquiries are directed to the artist. CALENDAR- Exhibition Dates: April 13-2027 – June 30, 2027 Entry deadline is 11:59 p.m., January 10, 2027 MST (AZ), IMPORTANT DATES FOR THE APPLICANT Entry Deadline: January 10, 2027 Notification Date by email: January 14, 2027 Delivery of Artwork by Hand: April 6, 2027, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Civic Center Public Gallery, 3839 N Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale, AZ 85251. Shipping: to Scottsdale Public Art Curatorial, 7380 E 2nd Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (we do not pay for shipping) by January 10, 2027 Pick-up date: July 1, 2027 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Civic Center Public Gallery