2026 GUIDELINES AND APPLICATIONS ARE NOW LIVE!
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2025, 5 PM ET
UMEZ Arts Engagement is a grant program designed to enhance the diversity and frequency of arts and cultural presentations in Upper Manhattan.
Direct support is provided to artists and nonprofit arts organizations guided by the principle that support for artists of diverse disciplines, practices, cultural backgrounds, and career stages contributes to the vibrancy and sustainability of the communities in which they live and work.
UMEZ Arts Engagement provides direct support specific to Upper Manhattan’s artists and nonprofit organizations.
UMEZ Arts Engagement invites proposals from artists and arts organizations that are both:
- Based in Upper Manhattan
- Presenting arts projects or programming serving Upper Manhattan between January 1–December 31, 2026.
Upper Manhattan is defined as:
- North of 98th Street on the east side of Fifth Avenue
- North of 110th Street on the west side of Fifth Avenue
Program funding is provided by the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation (UMEZ). The UMEZ Arts Engagement program is administered by Lower Manhattan Cultural Council.