SPARC 2024 Live Art: Embrace | Photo credit: Tom Topinka

RICHMOND, VA — The Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA) announces nearly 400 grant awards for fiscal year 2026, supporting artists, arts organizations, programs, and creative initiatives in communities across the Commonwealth. These investments, made possible by funding from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), aim to strengthen Virginia’s vibrant and diverse arts sector while expanding access to the arts across the state.

“We are deeply grateful to Governor Youngkin, the Virginia General Assembly, and the National Endowment for the Arts for making these vital investments in Virginia’s cultural life possible,” said Executive Director Colleen Messick. “The arts are essential to our shared humanity, strengthening communities, sparking creativity and empathy, and enriching our social, educational, and economic well-being. With nearly 80% of our funding dedicated to operating support, these grants truly serve as a lifeline for Virginia’s cultural ecosystem.”

VCA Board Chair Barbara Parker noted, “We are especially thankful for continued support from the NEA. These federal funds enable the VCA to invest in programs that serve communities of all sizes across the Commonwealth. Already, our grant programs are set to reach 131 of Virginia’s 133 counties and independent cities, bringing us closer than ever to connecting all Virginians with state support and demonstrating the powerful reach of public investment in the arts.”

 FY26 Grant Allocations to date Feature:

• 160 General Operating Support for Medium and Large Organizations (GOS) Grants, bolstering arts organizations to continue, strengthen, and expand arts experiences that benefit all Virginians.
• 63 Operating Support Small, for Small Arts Organizations, (OSS) Grants, increasing support for small and emerging arts organizations central to the vibrancy of Virginia’s communities.
• 100 Creative Communities Partnership Grants (CCPG), encouraging local and tribal governments to support the arts through matching funds.
• 36 Community Impact Grants, igniting new and innovative art-based projects or services that reach and impact communities.

In addition to these grants, the VCA awards an additional 250+ grants throughout the fiscal year through its Virginia Touring and Arts in Practice grant programs. Accepting applications on a rolling basis, these grants extend extraordinary opportunities for state-supported arts programming in every corner of the Commonwealth. Application deadlines, eligibility requirements, and information about the VCA Artist Rosters, which help deliver these programs, are available on the VCA’s website.

About the Virginia Commission for the Arts

The Virginia Commission for the Arts, established in 1968, is the state agency dedicated to investing in the arts across the Commonwealth of Virginia. The VCA fulfills its mission through funding from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, distributing grant awards to Virginia artists, arts organizations, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, educators, and local and tribal governments. Its rigorous grant review process is supported by Advisory Panels composed of knowledgeable individuals with diverse expertise in artistic disciplines, arts management, and community engagement. This year, 67 individuals have generously contributed their time and insights to the FY26 grant review process.

For more information about the Virginia Commission for the Arts, visit www.vca.virginia.gov. Artists, organizations, and interested members of the public are invited to follow the VCA on Instagram @virginiaarts, Facebook @VirginiaArts, and LinkedIn at Virginia Commission for the Arts as well as subscribe to the Virginia Commission for the Arts Newsletter for the latest news, resources, and opportunities.