State of the Arts Grants

The St. Johns Cultural Council administers an annual State of the Arts (SOTA) grant program, with applications opening on September 1st of each year. In 2023, we are awarding six $1,500 grants to individual artists or arts organizations. The grant process is competitive and not every application will receive funding. There is no matching requirement and the application and reporting requirements are designed to minimize time of completion.

Nonprofit organizations, individual artists, and public schools may apply for funds to support new or expanded programs in disciplines including arts in education; music, dance, folk arts, humanities, literature, film, theatre and musical theatre; visual arts; or the collection or exhibition of cultural or artistic works. Individual artists may also apply for grants to fund professional development. Proposals are evaluated for quality, impact and originality.

Applicants must be St. Johns County residents or organizations based in St. Johns County. All grant activities, other than artist professional development, must take place within St. Johns County, Florida. Proposals for activities that reach underserved audiences, provide arts education, and create art in public places will receive priority.