It’s disheartening to hear conversations like:

“So, what do you do? Do you just stay home and draw all day, or do you think AI can replace your artwork?”

Not everyone is an artist but everyone is a critic. 

This section is for the talented and emerging artists.

"To a certain extent, it is true that intricate illustrations are still painstakingly drawn by hand, bit by bit, for hours, and then only to be scanned and traced using modern technology. Artists spend even more hours refining their work, making adjustments until they (and their clients) are fully satisfied. Or consider craft like the Edo Kiriko, Tokyo’s traditional glass-cutting craft which take years to master. Even my favorite Yixing teapots from China represent a lifetime of skill. Or take my design instructor who taught me design and art from Hong Kong—a Caltech graduate who once told me he had invested a small fortune just to master typography and logo design alone. I appreciate both traditional and modern techniques -- each has its beauty. Yet it’s heartbreaking to see some traditional arts fading away. That is why I have try my best to compile a humble list for artists and creatives alike. My goal? For you, for us, to be taken seriously, and to thrive."

-- Becky Cheung, Bemusedcreative

When we find a fruit of something useful and of worth to grow, we are not insecure but shared its seeds freely - not just for our own field, but so that all of us in the industry will have the fruits. Knowledge, are like fertile soil, it grows richer when tended together. What we give freely do not diminish us; but we only hope to cultivate an industry and a world where everyone can thrives.

The United States of America (USA)

a. National Endowment for the Arts

  • (NEA)
  • Federal grants for individual artists
  • Via partnerships and organizations.
    www.arts.gov

b. Creative Capital

c. The Andy Warhol Foundation

d. Artist Relief

e. Foundation for Contemporary Arts

f. MacDowell Colony

  • (New Hampshire)
  • Free residencies for all disciplines.
    macdowell.org

g. Pollock-Krasner Foundation

  • Grants up to $30K
  • For painters/sculptors.
    pkf.org

The United Kingdom

a. Arts Council England

  • Grants for Individuals
  • Developing Your Creative Practice
  • £2K–£10K).
    artscouncil.org.uk

b. Creative Scotland

c. Arts Council of Wales

  • Grants for Welsh artists
  • Individuals Awards.
    arts.wales

d. a-n Artist Bursaries

  • £500–£1,500
  • For professional development.
     a-n.co.uk

e. Jerwood Arts

f. Gasworks

g. Hospitalfield

h. Delfina Foundation

i. The Art House

j. a-n Artist Jobs & Resources

  • UK’s largest artist job board and advice hub.
    a-n.co.uk

l. Artquest

  • Free legal/business advice for London artists
  • Useful guides for all UK.
    artquest.org.uk

m. Axisweb

  • Artist profiles and opportunities.
  • Now part of a-n.
     axisweb.org

n. CVAN

  • Contemporary Visual Arts Network
  • Regional support across England.
    cvan.art

o. Artlogic

  • Portfolio tools and sales platforms.
  • Used by UK galleries.
    artlogic.net

p. Saatchi Art

  • Online gallery for emerging artists
  • Global but UK-friendly.
     saatchiart.com

q. Folksy

  • Sell prints, originals, or crafts
  • Folksy is UK-focused.
    folksy.com

r. Turning Point South West

Poland

a. Ministry of Culture & National Heritage

  • "Młoda Polska"
  • Young Poland:
  • 25,000 PLN grants for artists under 35.
  • "Stypendium Ministra":
  • Annual stipends for mid-career artists.
    gov.pl/kultura
  • Deadlines: March/April

b. National Cultural Centre

  • (NCN)
  • Research grants for art-science hybrid projects
  • Up to 100,000 PLN.
    ncn.gov.pl

c. ZAIKS

  • Authors’ Association
  • Travel/event grants for
  • Composers, writers, and visual artists.
    zaiks.org.pl

d. U–jazdowski Castle

  • Warsaw
  • International residencies
  • With studio space + 8,000 PLN stipend.
    u-jazdowski.pl

e. Art_Inkubator (Łódź)

Industrial-space residencies

For experimental art.
artinkubator.pl

f. BWA Zielona Góra

  • Rural residencies focusing
  • On ecology/community art.
    bwazg.pl

g. Zachęta National Gallery

h. ASP Networks

  • Alumni grants from top art academies
  • E.g., ASP Warsaw/Kraków.

i. Polish Graphic Artists’ Association

  • SARP
  • Printmaking/design
  • Grants and workshops.
    sarp.org.pl

j. Warsaw Gallery Weekend

k. Artystyczna Polska

Note:

  • Target Kraków’s Kazimierz District galleries
  • (e.g., Potocka Gallery).
  • Apply for "Młoda Polska"
  • (March deadline).
  • Learn key phrases:
  • "Projekt artystyczny" = Artistic project
  • "Dotacja" = Grant
  • Network at "Noc Muzeów"
  • (Museum Night) in May.
  • Note: Polish jurors value historical context—reference Polish avant-garde traditions (e.g., Constructivism) in proposals.
  • Do zobaczenia! (See you soon!)

Australia

a. Australia Council for the Arts

  • Grants for Individuals:
  • Up to $50K AUD for projects
  • (Deadlines: March, July, Sept).

b. Career Development Grants:

c. Regional Arts Fund

d. Arts Projects:

e. First Peoples Grants:

f. Arts Queensland

g. The Gunnery

h. Bundanon

i. Fremantle Arts Centre

  • (WA)
  • Print/Textile Residencies
  • + exhibition opportunities.
    fac.org.au

j. Emerging Artists

k. Hatched PICA

  • (WA)
  • National graduate showcase
  • With acquisition prizes.
    pica.org.au

l. Melbourne Art Fair

m. Bluethumb Art Prize

o. Darling Portrait Prize

Note:

  • Bookmark Australia Council’s grants calendar
  • Next deadline: September 2024.
  • Follow @auscouncilarts on Instagram for last-minute opportunities.
  • Leverage regional networks: Join Regional Arts Australia for local alerts.
  • Embrace First Nations collaboration: Many grants prioritize Indigenous partnerships.
  • Proof of concept matters: Include test sketches/workshops in proposals.
  • Target council grants: City of Melbourne/Sydney
  • Offer $2K–$10K micro-grants.

Fair dinkum—get applying! (Good luck!)

New Zealand

a. Creative New Zealand

  • Arts Council
  • Quick Response Grant:
  • Up to $5K NZD for project.
  • Arts Grants :
  • Up to $80K NZD for larger projects
  • (Deadlines: Feb, May, Aug, Oct).
    creativenz.govt.nz/funding

b. Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships

c. Māori & Pasifika-Specific

  • Toi Māori Aotearoa
  • Grants for Māori artists
  • In traditional and contemporary arts.
    toimaori.com

d. Pacific Arts Creative NZ

  • Funding for Pacific artists
  • (e.g., Tautai Pacific Arts Trust).
    tautai.org

e. McCahon House Residency

f. Blue Oyster Art Project Space 

  • Dunedin
  • Emerging artist residencies
  • With exhibition opportunities.
    blueoyster.org.nz

g. The Physics Room

h. Emerging Practitioner Fund

  • (EPF)
  • Up to $3K NZD for early-career artists
  • Film, visual arts, performance.
    epf.nz

i. The Chartwell Trust

j. Junction Arts & Music (Whanganui)

k. The Dowse Art Museum (Wellington)

  • Open calls for exhibitions
  • Emerging and mid-career.
    dowse.org.nz

Bookmark Creative funding calendar

  • Next deadline: August 2024.
  • Follow @CreativeNZ on Instagram for last-minute opportunities.
  • Note: Check your local city council arts grants
  • E.g., Auckland Council has annual funds.
  • NZ grants often prioritize:
  • Mātauranga Māori
  • (Māori knowledge) integration.
  • Community impact 
  • How your art engages locals).

Note: Many Kiwi artists succeed by combining traditional + digital mediums, so maybe mention this in proposals.

France

a. Centre National des Arts Plastiques

  • (CNAP)
  • French gov't grants for visual artists
  • Aide à la création, €8K–15K
    www.cnap.fr
  • Deadline: March/Sept

b. Regional Cultural Affairs Directorate

  • (DRAC)
  • Local grants
  • (e.g., Île-de-France has €3K–10K project funds)
  • Find your region: www.culture.gouv.fr

c. Fondation de France

d. SACEM 

  • For sound/digital art
  • Funding for music
  • Multimedia artists
    www.sacem.fr

e. Cité Internationale des Arts (Paris)

f. Villa Médicis

  • (Rome, but French artists only)
  • Elite 1-year residency for mid-career artists
    www.villamedici.it

g. Le Fresnoy (Studio National)

h. Regional FRACs

  • Local contemporary art centers offering studios
  • (E.g., FRAC Île-de-France)

i. Maison des Artistes

  • Social security for freelance artists
  • (Mandatory registration)
    www.mda.asso.fr

j. AFDAS (Training Funds)

k. Hors Les Murs

l. Fonds d’Urgence des Artistes

m. La Fondation des Artistes

n. Artistics

  • Paris-based online gallery
  • Curates emerging artists
  • (30% commission)
    www.artistics.com

 o. Artmajeur

p. Paris Art Galleries

  • Target young galleries:
  • Galerie Joseph, Perrotin (satellite shows)

q. Foire Internationale d’Art Contemporain

Note:

  • Register at Maison des Artistes (legal requirement)
  • Apply for:
  • CNAP + DRAC grants (Spring cycle)
  • Build a "dossier artistique
  • (French-style portfolio)
  • Network at "vernissages"
  • Openings: Wed/Thu nights)
  • French system values project-based applications
  • Frame your work cultural/public benefit angle.

Italy

a. Direzione Generale Creatività Contemporanea

  • Italian Council 
  • €10K–50K for international projects
  • Must exhibit in Italy
    cultura.gov.it
  • Deadline: May/Nov

b. Piano Arte Contemporanea

  • PAC
  • Regional grants exhibitions
  • (E.g., €5K–30K for Lombardy/Tuscany)
  • Check regional websites
  • E.g., Toscana Cultura

c. Fondazione Cariplo 

d. Villa Romana

  • Florence
  • Prestigious 10-month residency
  • For German/Italian artists
    villaromana.org

e. MACRO Asilo

f. Fondazione Pistoletto 

g. Giovani Artisti Italiani 

h. Artists’ Fiscal Assistance

  • A.FORM
  • Tax help for freelancers
  • Partita IVA guidance
     aform.it

i. Artissima 

  • Turin
  • Apply for Present Future
  • Emerging artist section
    artissima.it

j. Galleria Continua

k. Italian Artisan Partnerships

  • Collaborate with
  • Tuscan ceramic
  • Glass workshops
  • Target 1 Regional Grant
  • Tuscany/Lombardy have most funds

Note:

  • Learn Basic Italian Art Terms:
  • Progetto site-specific = Site-specific project
  • Bando = Open call
  • Network at Aperitivo
  • (Milan/Turin gallery openings)
  • Italian juries value historical context
  • Reference local traditions in proposals.

Korea

a. Arts Council Korea

  • (ARKO, 한국문화예술위원회)
  • Creation Grants: Up to ₩20M (~$15K)
  • (For individual projects)
  • International Exchange:
  • Travel/residency funding
    arko.or.kr
  • Deadline: March/September

b. Korean Foundation for Culture and Arts

  • (KOCCA, 한국콘텐츠진흥원)
  • Focus on digital/media arts
  • (VR, gaming, K-pop visuals)
     kocca.kr

c. Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture

  • (SFAC, 서울문화재단)
  • Seoul Art Space studios
  • + ₩5-10M project grants
    sfac.or.kr

d. Museum of Modern & Contemporary Art 

  • (MMCA, 국립현대미술관)
  • 6-month residency at MMCA
  • Changdong
    mmca.go.kr

e. Gyeonggi Creation Center

  • (경기창작센터)
  • Free studios
  • Exhibition budget 
  • International artists welcome
    gcc.go.kr

f. Platform-L

  • (플랫폼엘)
  • Experimental art space in Seoul
  • (AI/tech-focused)
    platform-l.org

g. Korea Artist Prize

  • (한국미술상)
  • Annual award (₩100M/~$75K)
  • by MMCA + SBS Foundation

h. Alternative Space Loop

  • (대안공간 루프)
  • Mentorship
  • For emerging artists 
  • (Apply via open calls)
    altspaceloop.com

i. K-HIP

  • (한국예술인복지재단)
  • Health insurance/pension
  • plans for freelancers
    khip.or.kr

j. KIAF Art Seoul

  • (서울국제아트페어)
  • Asia's top art fair
  • (Apply for Discoveries section)
     kiaf.org

k. Insadong Galleries

  • (인사동 갤러리)
  • Approach Hakgojae
  • Or Gallery Hyundai with portfolios

l. Naver Smart Store

m. Arario Online

  • (아라리오 온라인)
  • Digital platform for young Korean artists
    arariogallery.com

n. Government 3.0 Policy

  • Grants require public engagement components
  • (E.g., community workshops).

o. KakaoTalk Channels:

  • Essential for promotion.
  • Create an artist channel.

p. University Connections:

  • SNU/Hongik University alumni
  • Networks open doors.
  • Apply for ARKO Spring Cycle
  • (Prepare English/Korean proposals)
  • Bookmark Seoul Art Space Nanji
  • (Open studios every 3 months)
  • Visit Thursday Openings
  • (Samcheong-dong galleries)

Note:

Think Key Phrase: Here's a key phrase:

"본 프로젝트는 [사회적 문제]를 예술적 접근으로 해결하며, 지역사회와 협업할 계획입니다."
(This project addresses [social issue] through art and plans community collaboration.)

Singapore

a. National Arts Council (NAC) Grants

  • Arts Creation Fund
  • Up to S$50,000 for new art projects.
  • Presentation & Participation Grant
  • Funding for exhibitions, performances.
  • Seed Grant
  • Up to S$10,000 for emerging artists.
    NAC Grants

b. Design Singapore Council Grants

  • Good Design Research
  • Up to S$100,000 for design projects.
  • Design 2025 Masterplan
  • Support for creative entrepreneurs.
    DesignSG Grants

c. Singapore Film Commission (SFC) Grants

  • Short Film Grant
  • Up to S$50,000 for filmmakers.
  • Development Grant
  • Funding for scriptwriting & production.
    SFC Grants

d. Alternative Funding for Creatives

e. The Awesome Foundation (Singapore)

  • Micro-grants of S$1,000 for creative ideas.

Note: Cultural Matching Fund (CMF) provides dollar-for-dollar matching grants for private cash donations to registered charities in the arts and heritage sector.

Malaysia

a. National Arts Funding

  • MyCreative Ventures
  • Ministry of Communications & Digital
  • Creative Industry Grant:
  • Up to RM50,000 for arts projects
  • Film, visual arts, performance
    mycreative.com.my

b. CENDANA

  • Cultural Economy Development Agency
  • Arts & Culture Grant:
  • RM5K–30K for independent artists
  • Annual deadlines: cendana.com.my

c. Kakiseni Grants

  • Small grants (RM1K–5K)
  • for performing arts initiatives.
    kakiseni.com
  • Check Facebook for updates

d. Selangor State Arts Development Corporation

  • (PUSAKA)
  • Grants for Selangor-based artists
  • (Traditional & contemporary).
    pusaka.my

e. PenArt

  • Penang Art District
  • Funding for public art
  • & community projects in Penang.
    penartdistrict.com

f. Rumah Air Panas

  • (RAP) 
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • 3-month residencies
  • For Southeast Asian artists.
    rapkl.com

g. Ilham Gallery

h. G13 Gallery

i. WASAP

  • Women’s Art Society Malaysia
  • Grants and mentorship for female artists.
    wasap.my

j. Young Contemporary Artists Award

  • National Art Gallery
  • Prestigious competition with cash prizes (RM10K+).
    artgallery.gov.my

k. Art Expo Malaysia

l. OUR ArtProjects 

Note:

  • Apply for CENDANA’s next grant cycle
  • (Deadlines: March & September).
  • Join ASWARA (National Arts Academy) networks for insider opportunities.
  • Collaborate with NGOs: Many grants favor community-driven projects.
  • Bilingual Proposals: Submit in English + Bahasa Melayu for government funds.
  • Traditional Fusion: Highlight Malaysian heritage (batik, wayang kulit) in contemporary work. Jumpa lagi! (See you soon!)

Germany

a. Kunstfonds (Bonn)

b. Deutscher Künstlerbund (Berlin)

c. State-Specific Programs

d. Stiftung Kunstfonds

e. Künstlerhaus Bethanien

f. Akademie der Künste

  • Berlin/Munich
  • Prestigious studio programs
  • with stipends
    www.adk.de

g. ZKM (Karlsruhe)

  • Media art residencies
  • With tech access
    zkm.de

h. Regional Programs

i. Arbeitsamt (Job Center)

j. Transartists (Database)

k. Art Cologne

l. Gallery Weekends (Berlin/Cologne)

  • Open-call exhibitions during city-wide events

Japanese-German Hybrid Note:

  • Sell via Minne + Japanese collectors
  • Many Germans buy there too.

Japan

a. 文化庁

  • Arts Council Japan 
  • 若手アーティスト向け助成
  • Grants for emerging artists
    https://www.bunka.go.jp
    申請締切: 年2回
  • Deadline: Twice yearly

b. ポーラ美術振興財団

c. アサヒビール芸術文化財団

d. 東京ワンダーサイト

e. 京都芸術センター

  • Kyoto Art Center
  • 伝統工芸と現代美術の融合
  • Traditional + Contemporary fusion
     https://www.kac.or.jp

f. 東北地方での国際交流プログラム

  •  Tohoku region international exchange

g. アーツイニシアティブトーキョー

  • Arts Initiative Tokyo
  • プロフェッショナル開発ワークショップ
  • Professional development
    https://a-i-t.net

h. クリエイターズ・ギルド

  • Creators Guild
  • フリーランスアーティストのための法律相談
  • Legal advice for freelancers

i. 芸術文化支援基金

  • Arts Support Foundation
  • 災害/病気時の緊急助
  • Disaster/medical emergency grants

j. 日本芸術文化振興会

  • Japan Arts Council
  • 伝統芸能分野の支援
  • Traditional arts support

k. ビッグサイト

l. クリエイターズマーケット

  • Tokyo Designers Market
  • 若手作家向け直接販売イベント
  • Direct sales events

m. minne (ミンネ)

  • ハンドメイド作品のオンラインマーケット
  • Online craft marketplace
    https://minne.com

Note:

  • 文化庁の最新助成をチェッ
  • Check Arts Council Japan deadlines
  • ポートフォリオを日本語で準備
  • Prepare Japanese portfolio
  • 地域のアートNPOに連絡
  • Contact local art NPOs

Many applications require:

  • 活動計画書 (Project proposal)
  • 予算書 (Budget sheet)
  • 推薦状 (Reference letters)

Hong Kong

a. Hong Kong Arts Development Council

  • HKADC
  • Grants for individual artists
  • Project Grants, Arts Scholarships.
    hkadc.org.hk

b. The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation

c. Hong Kong Arts Centre

  • HKAC
  • Funding and exhibition opportunities
  • For emerging artists.
    hkac.org.hk

d. Para Site

e. Spring Workshop

f. Tai Kwun Contemporary

g. Asia Art Archive

  • AAA
  • Research-focused residencies
  • For artists/writers.
    aaa.org.hk

h. Hong Kong International Artists’ Workshop

  • HKIAW
  • Cross-cultural exchange programs.
    hkiaw.com

i. Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre

  • HKVAC
  • Studio spaces, workshops, and networking.
    lcsd.gov.hk

j. Hong Kong Sculpture Society

k. Hong Kong Designers Association

  • HKDA
  • Resources for designers/illustrators.
    hkda.com

l. Hong Kong Society for Education in Art

m. Hong Kong Arts Administrators Association

n. Hong Kong Community Arts Network

  • Small grants for community-based projects.
    hkan.hk

o. The Zubin Foundation

p. Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong

q. The Cat Street Gallery

r. Saatchi Art (Hong Kong)

Note:

  • HKADC Project Grants:
  • Deadlines: March/September.
  • Join a residency:
  • Spring Workshop or Tai Kwun.
  • List work on 1 platform:
  • Example: Saatchi Art.

Shanghai

a. 上海文化发展基金会

Shanghai Cultural Development Foundation

  • 年度艺术创作资助
  • (Annual grants: ¥50K-200K)
    www.shcdf.org
  • Deadline: 每年3月/9月
  • (March/September)

b. 中华艺术宫

China Art Museum

c. M50创意园

  • M50 Art District
  • 工作室补贴与展览机会
  • (Studio subsidies)
  • (Pop-up shows)
    www.m50.com.cn

d. 上海外滩美术馆

e. 喜玛拉雅美术馆

f. 上海艺术家协会

g. Arthub Asia

h. 西岸艺术与设计博览会

i. Art-Ba-Ba 艺术平台

j. 小红书/微信商店

  • 直接销售艺术品
  • (Sell via Xiaohongshu/WeChat Stores)

Note:

关系网 (Guanxi)

  • 参加龙美术馆开幕酒会 
  • Attend Long Museum openings

双语优势

  • 中英文提案提高成功率
  • (Bilingual proposals win more grants)

政府关键词: 在申请中强调"海派文化"

  • (Highlight "Shanghai Style Culture")

注册上海文化发展基金会

  • (Register on SHCDF portal)

预约M50工作室参观

  • (Book M50 studio tour via WeChat)

参加ART021艺博会 

  • (Network at ART021 in November)

Insider: The best gallery connections happen at 武康路 (Wukang Road) coffee shops after 3PM.