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 past recipients include the presentation of creative and experimental work via film screenings, exhibition series, pop-up presentations, printed matter, educational models, and civic sites, in addition to other inventive models of artistic engagements.

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

• Priority is given to collaborative projects

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 or by businesses
• Projects that do not offer an opportunity for free public engagement
• Film productions designed for theatre release or online streaming

In 2025 with support from The Andy Warhol   Foundation for the Visual Arts Regional Re-granting Program and the Ruth Foundation for the Arts, we are pleased to announce funding eligibility will  expand to artists throughout the entire state of Wisconsin.