516 ARTS is now accepting submissions for the 2026 grant cycle.

The Fulcrum Fund supports New Mexico–based artists and collectives whose work centers around visual arts, helping them expand existing projects or explore new directions outside traditional museum and gallery systems. It is intended to be a springboard for artistic processes that are experimental and forward thinking, while celebrating projects that may not fit into the traditional museum and gallery systems. Funded projects include experimental venues or collectives, public art projects, performances, publications, online and virtual works, residencies, and film festivals.

Grants are for individual artists creating self-organized artistic activity that can be experienced by the public. Students currently enrolled during the grant cycle, commercial businesses, and 501(c)(3) organizations are not eligible. Artists who identify as Black, Indigenous, POC, LGBTQIA+, and immigrant are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications are accepted online via Submittable only; emailed or hand-delivered submissions are not accepted. 516 ARTS offers two virtual and one in-person info session to review eligibility, share past examples, and guide applicants through project budgeting.

In 2026, the Fulcrum Fund will distribute $60,000 in grants ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 to support innovative, artist-led projects that inspire curiosity, engagement, and dialogue.

Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must live and work in New Mexico
• Lead artists do not need to be US citizens, but must have a social security number in order to accept the funds.
• Proposed projects must function primarily within the context of visual art. Artists whose practices are firmly rooted in dance, theatre, music, or industry/feature filmmaking are not eligible to apply.
• Applicants must stage a public-facing event that can be experienced or accessed by the general public.
• NOT eligible are emergency relief requests, 501(c)3 non-profit organizations, commercial businesses and students currently enrolled in an educational institution during the granting period.

 Timeline

• 10/15/25 - Fulcrum Fund 2026 grant submission opens
• 12/31/25 - Fulcrum Fund 2026 grant submission closes at 11:59 pm
• 02/21/26 - Fulcrum Fund Jurors to make the final selection
• March 26 - Announcements of awards 

Questions? 

Contact April at april@516arts.org with "Fulcrum Fund 2026" in your subject line. Stay tuned for announcements by signing up for our e-newsletter here.