Apply through July 31 for up to $2,000 for equipment or education in 2027
The economic benefits of the arts industry in Hillsborough County are well-documented, topping $387 million in 2022, when the most recent Arts & Economic Prosperity study was conducted.
Local artists help nurture this vibrant, creative community, and the Arts Council of Hillsborough County's Professional Development for Artists (PDA) Grant Program seeks to support these emerging or established artists by providing reimbursement grants.
The awards of up to $2,000 can be used for attendance at a professional development experience or to purchase equipment that is pivotal to the advancement of the artist's career.
Grant funding case study: Caitlin Albritton
Caitlin Albritton, a previous grantee, used her PDA grant funding to take three different technical classes that were critical to her understanding of how to inlay stones.
As a lapidary jeweler, Albritton uses inspiration from the Earth to create jewelry that brings colorful stones to life. She crafts one-of-a-kind pieces from ethically sourced rocks and minerals, blending her love of the outdoors with personal expression.
"As a kind of painter with rocks, I have to create the palette that I want to see in my own works," said Albritton. "It all starts with a drawing. Everything is about the drawing and what kind of emotions I want to get out of the piece."
For Albritton, it's her figurative inlay pendants that turn body language into fashion. With an idea in mind, Albritton uses a variety of rocks to display different emotions that bring the jewelry to life. To learn more about Albritton and how the PDA grant assisted her, watch Art813: Caitlin Albritton.
The details
Applications for the 2027 funding period are now being accepted until 5 p.m. Friday, July 31, 2026.
Funded projects must take place between Jan. 1, 2027, and Aug. 15, 2027. All eligible applicants will be reviewed and scored by the Arts Council Advisory Board, with grants awarded beginning with the highest scoring application until annual program funding runs out.
Full grant program details, application instructions, and deadlines can be found at HCFL.gov/ArtsCouncil.
The Arts Council of Hillsborough County provides a unified voice for all cultural organizations and activities in the Tampa Bay area and promotes news about the cultural vitality of the community while providing grants, unified marketing efforts, research, and advocacy to help the cultural community thrive.