Catalyze Program Application 2026

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Catalyze, a program of Mid-America Arts Alliance made possible through the support of the Windgate Foundation, provides grant funding and professional development opportunities to individual artists of all disciplines in the Arkansas counties of Arkansas, Chicot, Clay, Cleburne, Conway, Craighead, Crittenden, Cross, Desha, Drew, Faulkner, Garland, Grant, Greene, Hot Spring, Jefferson, Lee, Lonoke, Mississippi, Monroe, Perry, Phillips, Poinsett, Pope, Prairie, Pulaski, Saline, St. Francis, Van Buren, White, and Yell.


The Catalyze program is designed to ignite the careers of Arkansas artists by providing them with $10,000 grants to support their creative practices, learning opportunities to develop entrepreneurship skills and build enduring creative practices, connections to a dynamic regional artist network, and ongoing support.


Application deadline is Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 5:00pm CST.

Applicants will be notified by mid-February, 2026.


 For more information on the Catalyze program visit:

https://www.maaa.org/artists-grants-fellowships/catalyze.

 

M-AAA encourages the applications of artists who have historically lacked access to traditional forms of institutional support and resources.


We strongly discourage the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to generate answers to the narrative application questions. It is, however, acceptable to use AI to proofread and edit your responses to character limits.


Applicants with questions regarding the application or facing difficulties completing the online submission form should contact: artistservices@maaa.org.


*Applicants have the option to complete their applications verbally with M-AAA staff. We recommend that all information be prepared in advance of verbal application meetings. Requests for assistance must be received by Friday, November 14, 2025.


Applicants may save their progress at anytime while filling out this form by clicking the "save" box in the upper right-hand corner.


For full guidelines and eligibility requirements, please visit:

REVIEW CRITERIA

Review of application materials will focus on:


Artistry

Selected artists will demonstrate artistic excellence, broadly defined by the practitioners and norms in their discipline, and show a deep commitment to their work. Selected artists will have an active creative practice in Central Arkansas or the Arkansas Delta for a minimum of three years and show motivation to continue and further evolve in Central Arkansas or the Arkansas Delta. 

Program Readiness

Selected artists will have the desire to advance their career and deepen their practice, engage in an active strategic management process surrounding their practice, as well as an interest in sharing their work and process as part of a network of artists in a peer learning environment.

 

Impact of Funding on Practice

Selected artists will clearly identify the ways in which Catalyze funds and program will impact their careers and creative practices. These identified impacts should relate to previous challenges and/or desired futures.


Questions? Visit: 

http://www.maaa.org/catalyze or email us at: artistservices@maaa.org

Artist Eligibility Information






If this email address is associated with an organization who has applied, or is currently applying, to other opportunities at M-AAA, please be sure to use a personal email address for this application.  





Thank you for your interest in the Catalyze Artist Grant Program.

Given the answers you provided, you are not eligible to apply. If you would like to be added to our mailing list for updates and other opportunities, click here. 

If you have questions or concerns, please email artistservices@maaa.org.
Contact Information






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If you do not have a website, please include a URL of an internet platform which showcases your work (i.e., Facebook, Soundcloud, Etsy, Instagram, etc.)

Follow the link to find your State Senate Legislative District Number.

Follow the link to find your State House Legislative District Number.

Follow the link to find your U.S. Congressional District Number.

Creative Background




This is an opportunity to describe your creative practice in your own words. Examples: "Ceramic Artist and Gallerist" or "Folk Singer-Songwriter". (10 word maximum)

Narrative Responses
Note: To expand the size of a text box, drag the lines in the lower right corner down so you can see your narrative in full. Insert a line space between paragraphs for ease of reading when applicable.

Provide a short biography to be used in Catalyze publicity materials should you be awarded. Your biography should be in third person. For examples, see Writing Your Artist's Bio. (100 word maximum)  

Please share what you do, why you do it, and who it is for. For examples, see Writing Your Artist's Statement. (250 word maximum)  

Explain how your creative practice has evolved over the past few years. What have you been working on? How has your work changed? Why have those changes happened? Have you faced any obstacles or limitations in creating your work? (250 word maximum)   

Where do you envision your creative practice being in five years? What are some self-determined goals you’ve set for your practice? (250 word maximum)    

If awarded a Catalyze Artist Grant, what plans do you have to take your creative practice to the next level? (250 word maximum)    

Given the requirements of this grant, how would participating in the Catalyze Retreat benefit your creative practice? Imagine learning from a small group of like-minded peers, getting personalized mentoring from Artist Peer Facilitators, and expanding your network of regional artists. What unique skills or experiences can you share with your peers? (250 word maximum)    

Application Support Materials
Please ensure that each document is uploaded to the correct and corresponding category to avoid potential disqualification. See the information below for URL and uploaded file format restrictions.

Upload your Art Resume/CV. Limit three (3) pages, .pdf format, titled as <FirstnameLastnameResume.pdf> (no spaces or special characters). For examples, see Writing Your Artist's Resume and CV. (1 MB maximum).

Two Proofs of Residency in Central Arkansas or the Arkansas Delta


Provide two (2) images of the following acceptable documents: valid Arkansas Driver's License; recent bill from a bank, mortgage company, utility company, credit card company, doctor, hospital, or bank statement; current valid homeowner's or renter's insurance policy; current valid motor vehicle insurance card or policy; property tax bill; current valid Arkansas motor vehicle registration; or most recent year tax filing (IRS or state of Arkansas). Please remove or cross out any sensitive and/or financial information. Proof of residency documents must include your name and your address. Panelists will not have access to this information. (1 MB maximum, .png, .jpg or .pdf format)  


Work Samples
Include up to a total of five (5) artwork samples. 
  • Samples may be uploaded or provided as URLs below.  You may mix and match a combination of uploads and URLs.
  • All uploaded files should be titled with the name of the artist, FirstnameLastnameSample1.png /.jpg /.pdf. No spaces or special characters.
  • Uploaded files may not be larger than 1MB.
  • You may mix and match the following sample types:
    • Visual Images -.jpeg, .jpg or .pdf file format or URL.
    • Audio - (1 minute = 1 sample) Audio files should be uploaded to a streaming service (Soundcloud) or hosted on a website and shared via URLs.
    • Video - (1 minute = 1 sample) Video should be uploaded to a streaming service (YouTube or Vimeo) or hosted on a website, and shared via URLs. Videos make sure are set to public viewing, or can be viewed with link. Remove ads from playing before/during videos, if possible.
    • Literary - (2 pages = 1 sample) Written work should be uploaded as .pdf files. You may submit one or more typed, double spaced work samples in a 12 point font.


Work samples must be named FirstnameLastnameSample1.jpg/.png/.pdf (no spaces or special characters). 1 MB maximum. Provide clear instruction for intended review on the Work Sample Summary section.

For Media/Video/Performance artist submissions: If your supplemental material is audio or video, submit a URL which links directly to video or audio as one of your 5 work samples. Please provide clear instruction for intended review in the Work Sample Summary section.

Clearly indicate the selection intended for review of your audio or video sample (i.e. 1:36 to 2:36) (1 minute = 1 sample). Only 5 minutes total over all work samples allowed.


Work samples must be named FirstnameLastnameSample2.jpg/.png/.pdf (no spaces or special characters). 1 MB maximum. Provide clear instruction for intended review on the Work Sample Summary section.

For Media/Video/Performance artist submissions: If your supplemental material is audio or video, submit a URL which links directly to video or audio as one of your 5 work samples. Please provide clear instruction for intended review in the Work Sample Summary section.

Clearly indicate the selection intended for review of your audio or video sample (i.e. 1:36 to 2:36) (1 minute = 1 sample). Only 5 minutes total over all work samples allowed.


Work samples must be named FirstnameLastnameSample3.jpg/.png/.pdf (no spaces or special characters). 1 MB maximum. Provide clear instruction for intended review on the Work Sample Summary section.

For Media/Video/Performance artist submissions: If your supplemental material is audio or video, submit a URL which links directly to video or audio as one of your 5 work samples. Please provide clear instruction for intended review in the Work Sample Summary section.

Clearly indicate the selection intended for review of your audio or video sample (i.e. 1:36 to 2:36) (1 minute = 1 sample). Only 5 minutes total over all work samples allowed.


Work samples must be named FirstnameLastnameSample4.jpg/.png/.pdf (no spaces or special characters). 1 MB maximum. Provide clear instruction for intended review on the Work Sample Summary section.

For Media/Video/Performance artist submissions: If your supplemental material is audio or video, submit a URL which links directly to video or audio as one of your 5 work samples. Please provide clear instruction for intended review in the Work Sample Summary section.

Clearly indicate the selection intended for review of your audio or video sample (i.e. 1:36 to 2:36) (1 minute = 1 sample). Only 5 minutes total over all work samples allowed.


Work samples must be named FirstnameLastnameSample5.jpg/.png/.pdf (no spaces or special characters). 1 MB maximum. Provide clear instruction for intended review on the Work Sample Summary section.

For Media/Video/Performance artist submissions: If your supplemental material is audio or video, submit a URL which links directly to video or audio as one of your 5 work samples. Please provide clear instruction for intended review in the Work Sample Summary section.

Clearly indicate the selection intended for review of your audio or video sample (i.e. 1:36 to 2:36) (1 minute = 1 sample). Only 5 minutes total over all work samples allowed.
Work Sample Summary
Use the space provided below to include supporting information for each work sample. This Work Sample Summary should identify the work samples in the order submitted (i.e. Work Sample 1) and share the following information for each (as relevant to the type of each sample submitted). For examples see Preparing Your Work Sample Summary. (1000 word maximum).

    • Title of the work
    • Medium
    • Dimensions
    • Date of completion, performance, or publication
    • Clearly indicate where panelists should begin and end reading literary samples. (i.e. pages 21-22).
    • Clearly indicate selections intended for review of audio and visual samples (i.e. view from 1:36 to 2:36).
    • Other details regarding the creative development, inspiration, or relevance of the work.


Accessibility Information
Mid-America Arts Alliance is committed to serving all our constituents. More art for all people means that arts experiences should be accessible to all. For more information on M-AAA’s commitment to accessibility, please visit: https://www.maaa.org/about/accessibility/
Demographics
M-AAA welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and strives to ensure opportunities are open to everyone. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race/ethnicity, or age. We request demographic information of all applicants to assess the reach and impact of our outreach efforts. This information will not be shared with panelists.







Feedback

How did you hear about the Catalyze Program?


M-AAA Newsletter

Certification and Assurance of Compliance

By submitting this application, the applicant certifies that the information contained in the form is true. Furthermore, the applicant certifies that it is in compliance with the statutes outlined below and all related M-AAA regulations, will maintain records, and will submit all necessary reports.


Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility, and Voluntary Exclusion

The applicant confirms that neither it nor its principals is presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from receiving federal funding by any federal department or agency.


Nondiscrimination Statutes

The applicant certifies by checking the box below that it does not discriminate:

  • on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended (42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.);

  • solely on the grounds of disability, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), as amended,, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”) as amended, (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.);

  • on the basis of age, in accordance with the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended (42U.S.C.6101 et seq.), and

  • on the basis of sex, in any education program or activity, in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 as amended (20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.) 

Executive Orders

In addition, the applicant agrees that, if the applicant is selected and becomes a grant recipient:

  • The applicant will comply with all applicable Executive Orders while the award is being administered. Executive orders are posted at https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions. 

  • The applicant’s compliance in all respects with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws is material to the U.S. Government’s payment decisions for the purposes of the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. 3729(b)(4), pursuant to Executive Order No. 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity, dated January 21, 2025.

  • The applicant does not operate any programs promoting “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws, in accordance with Executive Order No. 14173.


Certification, Compliance and Original Work Agreement
Email Confirmation





Please note: Once you hit "Review" below you will be taken to a Review page. You must hit "Submit" on the Review page for your application to be complete. The Artist Services team will be in contact if there are any issues with your application. Thank you.
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Questions? Email artistservices@maaa.org