Locust Projects WaveMaker Grant

WaveMaker Grants is an annual funding initiative administered by Locust Projects, a nonprofit visual arts organization based in Miami. Established in 2015 and managed by Locust Projects since 2017, the WaveMaker Grants program is part of the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts' Regional Regranting Program. This national network supports independently organized, publicly accessible, artist-centered initiatives that often fall outside the purview of traditional funding models. The Warhol Foundation launched this program in 2007 to bolster local creative ecosystems across the country, now partnering with 36 organizations that regrant funds to artists in their respective cities and regions. The WaveMaker Grants specifically serve artists residing in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Each year, up to $6,000 in funding is awarded to support artist-led projects that are experimental in nature and presented in nontraditional public spaces. This includes new conceptual work, long-term projects, and research-based initiatives with public-facing implementation components. Applicants can submit proposals in one of three categories: New Work/Projects, Long-Haul Projects, and Research & Development + Implementation. The program actively encourages bold, innovative ideas that challenge conventional formats and foreground community engagement. Projects may span a range of disciplines, including but not limited to film, performance, dance, and music—provided that visual art remains the leading component. Collaborative proposals are welcome, whether longstanding or formed specifically for the grant cycle. However, all lead applicants and the majority of collaborators must be residents of Miami-Dade County. The grant excludes non-profit organizations and LLCs established for commercial enterprise. Additionally, artists who have received a WaveMaker Grant in the past five years are ineligible to reapply unless they are a current Research + Development grantee. The 2026 application cycle is currently open and will close on April 1, 2026. The application process is entirely free, with no submission fees, in keeping with Locust Projects’ commitment to accessibility. Prospective applicants are encouraged to review comprehensive guidance at www.wavemakergrants.org. A virtual info session will be hosted on February 20, 2026, from 12:00pm to 1:00pm, offering an overview of the program, eligibility requirements, and application procedures. To support accessibility, Locust Projects provides accommodations upon request to help applicants complete their submissions. Assistance can be requested by contacting [email protected]. The evaluation criteria for grant selection are not detailed publicly, but the fund's emphasis on experimental, artist-driven work and community engagement is a guiding principle. Projects selected for funding must be shared with the public and are expected to push boundaries in terms of format, space, and conceptual reach. While the program does not specify performance period length or the timeline for award notifications, its regular annual cycle allows applicants to anticipate a similar window each year. Projects are typically self-determined in terms of timeline, provided they fulfill the public sharing requirement. The recurring nature of the WaveMaker Grants offers consistent support to the Miami art community, with application cycles reopening annually. Interested artists should stay connected through Locust Projects’ eNews updates and website for announcements related to future cycles.