Artist at Work Grant

The City of Madison is seeking proposals for 2027 that will contribute to workforce development and diversification within the music, film, and performing arts sector. The Artists at Work (AAW) program will offer a unique opportunity for art organizations wishing to hire or partially support an existing artist/creative to aid the organization to promote cultural tourism within the City of Madison.

Proposal must indicate hiring of a creative strategist to work on promoting Madison's music, film, and performing arts scene. Development, fundraising, and lobbying positions are not eligible. Funds may only be used for labor expenses.

The City's 2027 Room Tax budget authorizes $75,000 for Artists at Work awards in 2027. Applicants may apply for $5,000, $10,000, and $15,000 in support. The Madison Arts Commission will review all applications and make funding decisions. Half of the grant will be paid upon successful execution of a contract, and the rest will be paid after the submission and approval of a final report. All awards must be used by December 10, 2027. No extensions will be granted due to Room Tax requirements. Applicants who do not submit a final report by December 10, 2027, will forfeit their second payment, and become ineligible for subsequent AAW Grants.

2027 Artist at Work Grant Application

Applications are due by 12:00pm CST on November 16, 2026.

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Eligibility
  1. Organizations with a Madison address and tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) or federally recognized Indian tribal governments are eligible to apply.
  2. The position must attract overnight tourists to the City of Madison.
  3. Proposal must indicate hiring of a creative worker. (Development, fundraising, and lobbying positions are not eligible.)
  4. Only one proposal per organization will be considered.
  5. Eligible expenditures include those for labor expenses.

Scoring Criteria

Applications will be scored based on the following criteria:

  1. PROMOTES CULTURAL TOURISM-Organization intends to use all funds in a position that devotes 51% of staff time to tourism promotion, tourism development, and destination marketing for the City of Madison. 30Points
    1. All proposals must be in compliance with Wisconsin State (sec. 66.0615, Wis, Stats.) 
    2. Proposals should have a clear strategy for how the position will likely generate paid overnight stays at an establishment that contributes to Room Tax revenue. Include the following topics:
      1. Community Engagement
      2. Collaborations and Partnerships
      3. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (diverse programming, drawing new and diverse audiences)
      4. Tourism and Marketings 
      5. Applicants must commit to support the new regional music brand 
    3. ARTISTIC & EDUCATIONAL MERIT – the applicant organization advances the quality of arts in the community. 30 Points
      1. Artistic quality.
      2. Proposal advances or expands the artistic capacity of the organization.
      3. Innovative.
    4. FEASIBILITY – evidence of careful financial planning and organizational capacity. 10Points
      1. Budget meets all stated requirements, and the proposed pay is reasonable.
      2. Applicants show the organizational capacity to support additional staff and accomplish position goals.
      3. Proposal has clearly defined outcomes
    5. IMPORTANCE – value to the target audience, the City, and its residents; value to the organization; value to the creative worker. 10 Points
    6. ACCESS – potential of this position to increase arts access in the community. 20 Points
      1. Demonstrates potential of the proposal to advance the availability of arts in the community.
      2. Applicants include evidence of planning to serve diverse and/or new audiences.

Review Process

The Madison Arts Commission (MAC) administers these funds. MAC members will review applications based on the stated criteria.

Contracting & Reporting Requirements

All allocated funds will be administered through contracts with the City of Madison, Planning Division. Funded agencies will be required to submit a final report including expenses and metrics. If funded, the City of Madison reserves the right to negotiate the final terms of a contract with the selected organization. City purchases of service contracts include requirements regarding nondiscrimination, consideration of vulnerable populations, Affirmative Action, and mandatory insurance coverage. Awardees may be requested to appear before the Madison Arts Commission and Room Tax Commission in the summer of 2027 to share their work/impact. 

Timeline

November 16, 2026, at 12:00 PM CSTApplication Due
January 2027Applicants Notified of awards
February 1, 2027, to November 31, 2027Artists at Work Grant Period
December 10, 2027Final Report and 2nd invoice Due
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