This application must be submitted using Submittable, CAH’s New Grants Management Portal.
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 200 I (Eye) Street, SE building and/or CAH’s virtual gallery. Two (2) exhibition proposals will receive grants for curation and installation during Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) (see schedule below). This grant is competitive.
RFA Release: Monday | May 11, 2026 | 4 pm EST
Submission Deadline: Monday | June 29, 2026 | 5 pm EST
Award Notification: After October 1, 2026
The Art Exhibition (Curatorial) Grant Program (AEG) provides support for the development and public presentation of visual art exhibitions by District resident curators through grant support and use of CAH’s exhibition space and CAH's virtual platform. If for unforeseeable circumstances the gallery is unavailable, the exhibition will be displayed on the online platform only. Applicants must be individuals or non-profit organizations with prior curatorial experience.
CAH highly encourages partnering with a co-curator or curatorial mentee.
Individuals and nonprofit organizations may request up to $30,000, or $35,000 if working with a co-curator or curatorial mentee. Applicants may submit one (1) Art Exhibition Grant application per fiscal year.
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).
The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (CAH) is an independent agency within the District of Columbia government that evaluates and initiates action on matters relating to the arts and humanities and encourages the development of programs that promote progress in the arts and humanities. As the official arts agency for Washington, DC, CAH is supported by District government funds and in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
Government of the District of Columbia Commission on the Arts and Humanities
200 I Street, SE, Suite 1400, Washington, DC 20003
202-724-5613 | dcarts.dc.gov
Highlighting Culture & Community
CAH encourages all applicants to demonstrate their commitment to our community-centered framework of equality, cultural awareness, universal access, and community engagement throughout the application process. This may include highlighting the following:
- Addressing how the project factors in the varying access, engagement, and economic needs of the DC residents expected to interact with the work.
- Including plans that address fiscal, audio, visual, physical, geographical, educational, and language-based barriers.
- Supplying evidence of community benefit like letters from community-centered stakeholders, work samples that highlight the community’s response to the work.
- Providing examples of how the work highlights DC's distinct historical, linguistic, and cultural makeup.
- Describing ways DC’s unique communities will be authentically represented, positively impacted, and thoroughly celebrated through the work, along with other relevant considerations.
A. EXHIBITION SCHEDULE
|
Exhibition Dates |
|
Social Justice Themed Exhibition Jan 14, 2027 – March 5, 2027 |
|
Open Theme Exhibition April 1 – May 21, 2027 |
B. PROGRAM GOALS
- Provide the opportunity for District of Columbia resident curators and non-profit organizations with curatorial capacity to develop innovative and educational art exhibitions.
- Provide the opportunity for District of Columbia resident curators to bring existing art exhibitions previously mounted and organized in other cities to D.C.
- Provide unique exhibitions and related programs for District residents.