The Iowa Arts Council recently changed grant guidelines. Artists are no longer allowed to apply for Art Project Grants as individuals. Mainframe Studios is stepping up and issuing this call for proposals. Mainframe is offering our venue and administrative support to advance a standout proposal that must occur during the timeframe of July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027. Mainframe will do the work to submit an Iowa Arts Council Arts Project Grant application by April 1, and we are looking for new, bold projects that pay Iowa artists and involve the community. Submit a brief proposal by Friday, March 6, 2026. Priority consideration given to projects that:

• Create bold, new works to exhibit to the public
• Are high quality & engage the community with an additional activity or event
• Pay & elevate Iowa Artist(s)
• Occur within the timeframe of July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027.

Click here to submit a proposal and to learn more about what’s needed to meet these unexpected short deadlines. Let’s make something magical happen together!