THE IDEA FUND

The Idea Fund is a re-granting program administered by DiverseWorks in partnership with Aurora Picture Show and Project Row Houses and funded by the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. The Idea Fund grants support innovative, experimental, public-facing projects by Houston artists and groups that expand our understanding of how art exists in the world.

The Idea Fund is one of 32 re-granting programs that provide grants for the creation and public presentation of new work. The Warhol Foundation’s Regional Regranting Program, launched in 2007 by the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, aims to support artists whose work falls outside the scope of traditional presenting organizations and/or funding opportunities. The program reaches a sizable population of informal, non-incorporated artist collectives, and supports their alternative gathering spaces, publications, websites, events, and other projects. Together, this network of programs has funded more than 800 artists projects.

More information about The Idea Fund, past recipients, and the submission process, visit the website.

The Idea Fund Round 19 (2026) now accepting applications!
The Idea Fund’s 19th round of funding for artist-centered projects is now accepting applications. The Idea Fund will award a total of $60,000 in Round 19 to artists or collectives in the Greater Houston Area with grants up to $5,000. The application portal is now open and the submission deadline is Monday, January 5, 2026, 11:59pm. Applicants may submit their proposals online in written or video form and choose to apply for the level of funding they believe best suits their project. Grantees will be selected by a three-person jury panel. Key considerations for applications will include the artistic and creative strength of the proposed project, the overall vision of the applicant, and the capacity of the applicant to realize the project. Individual artists and collectives are eligible to apply.

Information Sessions:
Those interested in the application process for The Idea Fund grants may attend one of three information sessions: Wednesday, November 5 (6pm) at Project Row Houses; Thursday, November 20 (6pm) at Aurora Picture Show; and a virtual session held via Zoom on Monday, December 8 (6pm). Register for an info session here.

2026 Award Presentations and Reception:
Round 19 grantees will present their upcoming projects at the 2026 Idea Fund Award Presentations and Reception event, held at Aurora Picture Show on March 3, 2026. Free for all to attend.