NORMAN ARTS COUNCIL
ARTIST GRANTS
Applications for the first round of FY 2026/27 Artist Grants are Open!
DEADLINE: Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST
Norman Arts Council operates its artist grant program to serve Norman-based artists and further our creative community. While the longstanding Norman Arts Grant Program has supported dozens of arts organizations around town, this initiative further NAC’s commitment to directly benefit local artists in a variety of ways.
The program offers up to four $2,000 grants across three different categories.
The categories include Community Project, Creative Project, and Education/Travel.
Community Project grants enable artists to initiate community-based projects that foster artistic creation. Evaluation is based on the project's quality, community impact, and overall concept.
Creative Project grants support the creation of new work or a body of work. Evaluation is based on the quality of creative opportunity, career-building potential, and overall concept.
Education and travel grants support participation in conferences, residencies, or workshops that provide education and further one’s artistic practice. Evaluation is based on the quality of educational opportunity, career-building potential, and overall concept.
Artists can apply for all three grant opportunities in each cycle, but a maximum of one grant will be awarded to any artist in a given grant cycle.
Only artists who have resided in Norman for the past 12 months are eligible to apply for the Norman Arts Council Artist Grants. Applicants must be at least 18 years old to be considered.
Questions may be directed to Programs & Development Manager Cher Duncan.
Applications for the Dennis Brigham Photography Grant are Open!
Deadline: Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST
The Norman Arts Council is pleased to announce the inaugural Dennis Brigham Photography Grant, designed to support emerging and established photographers. Grant funds may be used to advance an artist’s photography practice, including expenses such as equipment, travel, and exhibition materials.
The award amount is $1,000.
Dennis would always say he was "just a simple farmer," but we knew him as so much more. Dennis was a loving husband and father, and a dedicated leader and volunteer in the community. Since 2017, he was a member of the Norman Arts Council Board, serving on the Executive Committee and as President. Serving the NAC was his particular passion, and it was where he found his community of fellow artists and art enthusiasts. His interest in photography began as a kid when he experienced his Grandfather's original Polaroid Land Camera, Model 95. This grant was created to show our love and appreciation for our friend and to honor his love for the Norman arts community. "With each day, I hope to learn. With each shoot, I hope to grow. With each image, I hope to show you a little slice of my world." - Dennis Brigham
Questions may be directed to Programs & Development Manager Cher Duncan.
Grant Timeline
FY 26/27 Artist Grants Round 1
9/30/26 Application Available for Applicants
11/11/26 Applications Due!
Applicants will be notified by early December
FY 26/27 Artist Grants Round 2
4/28/27 Application Available for Applicants
6/9/27 Due!
Applicants will be notified by early July
Past Winners
2025/26 Artist Grant Winners: Round 2
Cody Giles, Laura Zambrano Ibague, Maria Kaoutzani, Samuel Galizzi da Luz Moreira, Allysia Scherer, and Katrin Stamatis
2025/26 Artist Grant Winners: Round 1
Darci Lenker, and Katie Pendley
2024/25 Artist Grant Winners: Round 2
Jenna Bryan, Katherine Gaff, and Chase Spivey
2024/25 Artist Grant Winners: Round 1
Talia Nat, Jody Farmer, and Lauren Sonder
2023/24 Artist Grant Winners: Round 2
Charles Hall, Carlos Collin, and Samuel De Luz
2023/24 Artist Grant Winners: Round 1
Reb Nofun, Chase Spivey, and Deanna Wong
2022/23 Artist Grant Winners: Round 2
Ander Cardinale, Hannah Harper, and Dennis Speilman
2022/23 Artist Grant Winners: Round 1
Lacy Jo Burgess-Cady, Rai Fordyce, and Leticia Galizzi