October 2025 DreamCreative News and Opportunities Round-Up

Texas: Artadia Awards 

The Artadia Awards provide financial support, exposures and recognition to artists with unrestricted awards of $15,000 or $25,000 provided to four artists in a different program city each month. This month, artists in Houston are invited to apply. 

Applications are open Oct. 1 – Nov. 1.

Arkansas: Catalyze Artist Fellowship

Catalyze, a program of Mid-America Arts Alliance supported by the Windgate Foundation, awards $10,000 fellowships to 25 individual artists each year. Fellows receive funding, mentoring, and professional development to support their creative practices. Virtual information sessions are offered on Oct. 9 at 12 p.m. CT and Oct. 29 at 5:30 p.m. CT.

Applications are open Oct. 1 – Dec. 3.

Runway to Revenue Business Accelerator

Fifteen Percent Pledge, powered by Victoria’s Secret, is offering a 12-week program for BIPOC and women entrepreneurs. Participants receive $10,000 in funding, expert mentorship, and the chance to pitch for up to $50,000 in additional funding at the in-person pitch competition in Columbus, OH. Businesses must have annual revenue between $100,000 and $1,500,000, be operational for at least one year, and sell intimates, apparel, accessories, activewear/sport, shapewear, or hosiery. 

Apply by Oct. 3.

Causability Creator Grant  

Causability offers unrestricted grants to creators so they can partner with local nonprofits to develop impactful programs that benefit both artists and their communities. These grants support creators across a variety of disciplines including craft/traditional arts, photography, drawing, film/video/new media, mixed-media/multi-discipline, painting, and sculpture. Grants can be used to co-create initiatives that serve underserved or socio-economically marginalized communities through the arts, whether or not the creator already has a nonprofit partnership. 

Apply by Oct. 3. 

California: Lightning Fund & Jacki Apple Award

Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions (LACE), with support from The Andy Warhol Foundation, invites Los Angeles County visual artists who are not currently enrolled in college to apply. The Lightning Fund offers 10 grants of $6,000 for innovative, socially relevant projects in visual art, including painting, sculpture, installation, film/video, new media, sound, performance, and social practice. One mid- or advanced-career artist will also be selected for the $10,000 Jacki Apple Award. Projects should be accessible to the public and presented outside traditional galleries or museums.

Apply by Oct. 5. 

New York: Artist as Entrepreneur Program

NYSCA/NYFA presents an intensive 3.5-day professional development program for artists and creatives of all disciplines. Participants gain tools, strategies, and peer networks to build a sustainable arts practice or project, with a focus on defining and pursuing success on their own terms.

Apply by Oct. 6. 

Alex J. Ettl Grant for Sculpture 

The National Sculpture Society awards this $7,500 grant to figurative or realist sculptors with a mature body of work demonstrating outstanding ability. Workshop or instructional pieces are not eligible. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or residents with a Social Security number and cannot be NSS elected members. Open to all sculptors regardless of background.

Apply by Oct. 6. 

Sandia Mountain Natural History Center Artist Residency

This six-week residency in Cedar Crest is intended for artists to create new work inspired by the land, culture, and community. Includes public engagement opportunities such as talks, workshops, or temporary installations, and a $14,000 stipend. Work must be safe, ADA-compliant, and environmentally sensitive. Residency dates are March 6 – June 5, 2026. 

Apply by Oct. 10. 

Yéego Action Grant for Native Artists

The Yéego Action Grant provides financial support to Native artists and culture bearers seeking assistance for a specific professional opportunity or to address a hardship affecting their creative practice. This grant helps artists continue their work and advance their careers.  

Apply by Oct. 10.  

Alan Hagman Photojournalism Grant

This annual grant supports photographers pursuing projects on human rights, environmental issues, or other important stories that might otherwise go untold. A creative approach is highly valued. The grant awards $6,000 and is open to applicants submitting a detailed project proposal and portfolio. 

Apply by Oct. 11. 

New York: Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program for Visual and Multidisciplinary Artists  

NYSCA/NYFA presents a free, competitive mentorship program for foreign-born emerging visual and multidisciplinary artists in New York City or within commuting distance. Participants receive 1-on-1 career support, professional development, community, and exposure for their work. Mentors include experienced immigrant artists who understand the challenges of sustaining an art practice across cultural contexts. 

Apply by Oct. 13.  

Emerging Filmmaker Grants

The LearningTimes Foundation supports emerging filmmakers creating education-themed projects with grants up to $10,000 for pre-production funding to help bring meaningful stories about teaching, learning, community, and values to life. 

Apply by Oct. 15.  

Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian American Art Museum 2026–2027 Research Fellowships  

The Smithsonian American Art Museum and Renwick Gallery invite applications for their residential fellowship program, supporting full-time research on American art, craft, and visual culture. Fellows gain access to the museum’s collections, archives, specialized study resources, and library, with support for scholars from all disciplines and backgrounds. Includes a $53,000 award. 

Apply by Oct. 15.  

The Visionary Roze Gift: Open Call for Heart-Centered Artists 

Roze Umbra invites visionary artists who create from the heart, channeling insight, dreams, and cosmic energy to inspire personal and universal growth. This opportunity includes a cash prize, art residency, podcast invitation, and spiritual mentorship, supporting work that is original, authentic, and impactful.

Apply by Oct. 15.  

Oklahoma: Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition (OVAC) Grants for Artists 

Three grants support Oklahoma visual artists at multiple levels. Education Assistance grants (up to $500) help cover educational expenses. Professional Basics grants (up to $500) fund essentials of an art practice such as artwork samples, display/framing, shipping, travel to professional events, or website development. Creative Projects grants (up to $1,500) support the creation of new work culminating in a public event focused on the artist’s work. Eligible artists must be 21+, Oklahoma residents, not enrolled in a BFA or MFA program, and not have received OVAC funding in the past year.

Apply by Oct. 15.  

Maker MasterMind: The Business of Fashion with Min & Mon 

Join DreamSpring in conversation with Min & Mon co-founders Carolina Quintero, Andrés Quintero, and Catherine McKenzie. Based in New York City, the trio has grown Min & Mon into a boutique fashion brand known for its bold, whimsical handbags and accessories. They’ll share the creative sparks and business decisions that shaped their company, as well as what it takes to run a small brand that celebrates individuality and joy. 

Register for the free Oct. 16 webinar.