STATEWIDE, Ala., (October 1, 2026) — The Alabama State Council on the Arts is pleased to announce another round of Creative Places Arts Facilities funding. Since 2025, this grant program has invested over $5 million to support Alabama’s creative infrastructure.

For many arts-focused nonprofits in Alabama, setting aside funds for essential repairs and building upgrades while also presenting quality programming isn’t possible. The Council on the Arts is proud to address these critical needs with Creative Places funding.

Grants are available in three distinct categories:  

• Enhancement grants to fund equipment purchases and upgrades that will improve how cultural assets and works of art are presented, produced, exhibited, and/or preserved. Applicants may request up to $40,000.
• Design grants to fund necessary steps to build, renovate, reuse, or restore an arts facility. Applicants may request up to $75,000.  
• Construction grants to fund the building of a new facility, substantial renovations of an existing facility, or significant repairs/modifications of existing facilities. Applicants may request up to $100,000.  

“This funding provides assistance for needed repairs and long-term facility improvements in creative places all around the state,” said Elliot Knight, executive director of the Council on the Arts. “We extend our appreciation to the Alabama Legislature for their continued support of the arts facilities grant program and for their recognition of the positive impact these investments make in the lives of their constituents.”  

Apply for Funding

Nonprofit organizations and municipalities are encouraged to apply online at arts.alabama.gov/apply. Eligible spaces include performing arts centers, art museums and galleries, multi-purpose arts centers, artist residency facilities, and outdoor performance venues. 

All applications will be considered, with funding prioritized for organizations that: 

• Are located in rural communities 
• Did not receive a Creative Places Arts Facilities grant for fiscal year 2026

Applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm CT on December 1, 2026. Grant awards will be announced in March 2027. Funding is made possible thanks to the Alabama Legislature. 

For more details on eligibility, the application process, and grant administration, review the Creative Places Arts Facilities grant guidelines (PDF). 

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About Alabama State Council on the Arts 
The Council on the Arts is the official state agency for the support and development of the arts in Alabama. The Council works to expand and preserve the state’s cultural resources by supporting nonprofit arts organizations, schools, colleges, units of local government, and individual artists. Arts programs, assisted by Council grants, have a track record of enhancing community development, education, cultural tourism, and overall quality of life in all regions of the state. Alabama State Council on the Arts grants are made possible by an annual appropriation from the Alabama Legislature and additional funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.