Open Fund Artist Project Grants

The Open Fund Artist Project Grant supports visual artist initiatives that are experimental, collaborative, and public oriented. This includes wide-reaching and innovative projects that are unique to communities and the culture at large. Examples of the 2022 grantees include the presentation of creative and experimental work via film screenings, exhibition series, pop-up presentations, zines and media, educational models, civic sites in addition to other inventive models of artistic engagements.  

The Open Fund is administered by two Wisconsin artist-run spaces, The Poor Farm and The Open. In 2022, the Open Fund distributed $60,000 in Artist Project Grants to artists living in Milwaukee County, providing $5,000 grants to 12 visual artists or artist groups living within the Milwaukee County. 

In 2023 with support from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts Regional Re-granting Program and additional support from Ruth Foundation for the Arts we are pleased to announce that this funding cycle will award Visual Arts Projects at both $5,000 and $10,000 levels, for a total potential of $120,000 in funds distributed.

Online applications will soon be open for submission in December 2023.

Grantees are selected from a field of eligible applications through a jury system. 

Jury process takes place on-line or if Jurors are able to convene in person we accommodate that. We encourage applications from underserved communities, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ artists, artists with disabilities, and those caring for dependents. 

What We Fund 

• Projects that have a publicly accessible component 

• Projects could include exhibitions or installations held in temporary spaces, new publications, a series of events or performances, digital initiatives, public art projects, and other activities that are related to the visual arts 

What We Do Not Fund 

• • ́An individual artist presenting exclusively their own work 

  • ́Projects that are part of the programming of a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization

  • Projects at a commercial gallery 

  • ́Projects that do not offer an opportunity for free public engagement 

Please read the eligibility and application guidelines closely prior to applying. These guidelines can be made available in alternative formats or languages. To make a request, or if you have questions, please contact us at apply@theopen.fund or (414) 226-1978.

Our 2023 Jurors are coming soon.