This competitive grant program provides support for the development and public presentation of visual art exhibitions by District resident curators. The program does this through grant support and use of CAH’s exhibition spaces. Exhibition space is both within the building lobby 200 I (Eye) Street Galleries and on CAH's virtual platform. If the gallery is unavailable, the exhibitions will be installed on the on-line platform only. Applicants must be individuals with prior curatorial experience.
The goals are to:
- Provide the opportunity for District resident curators to develop innovative and educational art exhibitions for presentation in a government facility.
- Provide unique exhibitions and related programs for District residents.
FY26 AEG Request for Applications
The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) requests grant applications from qualified individuals and nonprofit organizations for exhibition proposals to take place in CAH’s gallery, located in the lobby of the 200 I (Eye) Street, SE building and/or CAH’s virtual gallery. Two (2) exhibition proposals will receive grants for curation and installation during FY26 (see schedule below). This grant is competitive.
RFA Release: Monday | May 5, 2025
Submission Deadline: Monday | June 30, 2025 | 9 pm EST
Award Notification: After October 1, 2025
EXHIBITION SCHEDULE
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Exhibition Dates |
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Social Justice Themed Exhibition In celebration of Martin Luther King Day and Dr. King’s philosophy of The Beloved Community, CAH seeks exhibitions that explicitly uplift current or historic social issues of regional, national, or global significance. Topics may include but are not limited to: discrimination based on social identities such as gender, sexuality, race, class, or religion; ongoing conflicts related to citizenship, borderlands, and immigration, mass incarceration, healthcare, issues around housing and unhoused populations, etc. Jan 15, 2026 – March 6, 2026 |
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Open Theme Exhibition CAH seeks exhibitions that showcase local and national artists and reflects the cultural vibrancy, relevant themes and issues, and current artmaking practices of the District and the larger arts landscape. April 2 – May 22, 2026 |
Incomplete or late applications or applications that do not follow the instructions and guidelines may be deemed ineligible for review and funding. Prospective applicants should read through this Request for Applications (RFA) in its entirety before applying.
Staff Contact: Michelle May-Curry, Curator | [email protected] | 202-215-9486
Source of Funds: The source of funds for the grant(s) is the portion of the Agency’s annual grants budget allocated for grant programs established by CAH in accordance with D.C. Official Code § 39-205(c-1)(2)(A)(iii). CAH may make multiple awards under this RFA.
CAH’s Authority to Make Grants: CAH has grantmaking authority under the Commission on the Arts and Humanities Act of 1975, as amended (D.C. Law 1-22; D.C. Official Code § 39-204).
View the FY26 AEG documents by downloading the files linked below. You can also navigate the RFA in its entirety on our website using the Table of Contents below.
Register for Workshops on Eventbrite.
Key Links:
- FY26 AEG Request for Applications
- Addendum A - Gallery Specs and Dimensions
- Addendum A - Gallery Wall Images
- Budget Template
- Form W-9
- Grant Application Portal
- Statement of Certification
- Timeline Template: Open Theme Exhibition
- Timeline Template: Social Justice Exhibition
- Additional Resources for Grant Applicants
Table of Contents:
- Overview
- Eligibility Requirements
- Allowable Costs and Funding Restrictions
- Gallery and Artwork Specifications
- Pre and Post Award Application Process
- Submitting Your Application
- Application Review Criteria and Jury Evaluation Process
- Notification and Payment
- Conditions of Funding Cancellations
- Addendum A: Gallery Walls, Elevations and Dimensions
- Addendum B: Available Equipment for AEG Program