Organizer Information

The Dallas Museum of Art (DMA), a leading cultural institution in Texas, has a longstanding tradition of supporting local artists and fostering artistic growth through grants and awards. Since 1980, the DMA has administered multiple dedicated funds—including the Clare Hart DeGolyer Memorial Fund, the Arch and Anne Giles Kimbrough Fund, and the Otis and Velma Davis Dozier Travel Grant—collectively known as Awards to Artists. These funds were established by prominent Dallas families and local patrons to recognize exceptional artistic talent and provide practical support to emerging and professional artists residing in the southwestern United States. Over the decades, the program has awarded nearly $1 million across 424 grants, enabling recipients to advance their practice, pursue research, travel for inspiration, and achieve greater visibility. Many past awardees have gone on to distinguished careers in North Texas and nationwide, and some are represented in the DMA’s permanent collection. The initiative reflects the Museum’s commitment to nurturing creativity, expanding the cultural ecosystem, and providing tangible resources for artists to grow their practices.

Title & Description

Awards to Artists 2026 is a series of grant opportunities designed to provide financial support and professional development to artists in the southwestern United States. The program is structured around three separate funds, each targeting a specific age group and artistic stage:
  1. Clare Hart DeGolyer Memorial Fund: Supports young artists aged 15–25 to purchase materials, rent studios, and pursue research or travel that enhances their artistic development.
  2. Arch and Anne Giles Kimbrough Fund: Aims at artists under 30 residing in Texas, offering funding to support advanced practice, studio assistance, travel to international exhibitions, and creative projects.
  3. Otis and Velma Davis Dozier Travel Grant: Geared toward professional artists over 30, this fund allows recipients to undertake travel-based artistic research or experiential projects that expand their practice, with an emphasis on enrichment rather than residencies or exhibition participation.
Each award is intended to foster creativity, provide access to resources that might otherwise be inaccessible, and encourage artistic experimentation. The grants can be used for purchasing art materials, research-related travel, studio equipment, or other initiatives that directly contribute to an artist’s professional and aesthetic development. By combining financial support with mentorship and recognition, Awards to Artists helps recipients gain credibility, visibility, and momentum in their careers.

Categories

  • Visual Art
  • Painting
  • Sculpture
  • Mixed Media
  • Installation Art
  • Photography
  • Experimental Art (other disciplines considered depending on proposal relevance)

Eligibility

  • Clare Hart DeGolyer Memorial Fund: Ages 15–25; residents of Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, or Colorado for the past three years.
  • Arch and Anne Giles Kimbrough Fund: Under age 30; Texas residents for the past three years.
  • Otis and Velma Davis Dozier Travel Grant: Over 30; practicing professional artists; Texas residents for the past three years.
  • Open to artists of all backgrounds and mediums as relevant to their project proposal.

Program Benefits & Awards

  • Clare Hart DeGolyer Fund: Up to $1,500 for materials, studio space, or research-related expenses.
  • Arch and Anne Giles Kimbrough Fund: Up to $3,500 for materials, studio assistance, and international travel to exhibitions.
  • Otis and Velma Davis Dozier Travel Grant: Up to $6,000 for travel-based artistic research projects.
  • Recognition from a major museum, potential inclusion in DMA collections, and enhanced professional profile.

Application Fee

None

Application Requirements

  • Completion of the digital application form for the chosen fund.
  • Résumé or CV highlighting artistic experience.
  • Itemized budget detailing intended use of funds.
  • Supplementary images of past work or proposed projects.
  • Two letters of recommendation submitted via email to awardstoartists@dma.org.
How to Apply? Applications are submitted online through DMA’s grant application portals:

Key Dates

  • Application Opens: October 10, 2025
  • Application Deadline: February 15, 2026
  • Notification of Awardees: April 2026

Location

Texas, United States

Additional Details

  • Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
  • Funds cannot be used for tuition or artist residency programs.
  • Awards prioritize flexibility and creative exploration, allowing recipients to determine how best to use their grant to enhance their practice.
  • The Dozier Travel Grant is specifically intended for enrichment travel, rather than participation in exhibitions or residencies.
  • Past recipients have engaged in diverse projects ranging from international art research to experimental and cross-disciplinary studies.

Website Link: https://dma.org/programs/opportunities-for-artists