Knight New Work 2024: Akron, Detroit and South Florida – Knight Foundation
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Knight New Work 2024: Akron, Detroit and South Florida

Knight New Work 2024 provides up to $100,000 to support artists and arts organizations in South Florida, Akron and Detroit who use technology to create, disseminate and enhance the way art is experienced.

The call for project proposals is open to individual artists, collectives and art organizations. Applicants must be based in or have direct ties to South Florida, Akron or Detroit and proposed works must premiere in the applicant’s community. All works must incorporate technology. Applications will be accepted from June 14 to July 12 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Submissions will be reviewed by a national panel of artists, practitioners and Knight Foundation staff and recipients will be announced in the fall. Knight New Work 2024 grantees will convene in spring/summer 2025 to share works in progress and all works will premiere by spring 2026.

Have questions about Knight New Work 2024? Email [email protected].

Information Session Recording and Office Hours

Book an appointment with a member of the Knight Arts team at the link below. Keep checking back here for the latest information, new appointments will be made available if necessary.

Previous Knight New Work Grantees

Get inspired by reviewing the work and biographies of previous grantees.


Frequently Asked Questions

When will the application period open and close?

The application period opens Friday, June 14, and closes Monday, July 12, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Who is eligible?

Individual artists, artist collectives and arts organizations of all artistic genres are eligible to apply. Individuals must be based in Akron, Detroit or South Florida, or have direct ties to the area.

Does my arts organization have to be based in Akron, Detroit or South Florida?

Yes, arts organizations and artist collectives must be based in Akron, Detroit or South Florida in order to apply. Organizations and collectives can partner with individual artists from outside the area, provided those individuals can demonstrate a deep connection to the designated location. All works must premiere in the designated location.

I’m an artist but not based in Akron, Detroit or South Florida. Am I eligible to apply?

No, this opportunity is exclusively for artists based in one of those three locations. We encourage you to check back to kf.org/arts for future opportunities! 

What is the criteria for an arts organization to apply?

An arts organization, arts institution or artist collective based in Akron, Detroit or South Florida can submit an application. The creation of new work can be in any artistic genre, but must use technology in the creation and/or dissemination of the work. 

When do the premieres take place?

Knight New Work 2024 grantees will convene in spring/summer 2025 to share drafts or works in progress. Works must be presented by spring 2026.

What happens after I submit my application?

Applications will be reviewed by a national panel of artists, practitioners and Knight staff. Grantees will be announced in the fall. 

How many applications may an organization submit?

Each applying entity, whether an individual, collective or organization, is limited to one (1) application.

How much money can I ask for?

Knight will award funds in tiers: $25,000, $50,000 and $100,000. Applicants will be asked to select the award request at the beginning of the application and to support the selection with a detailed budget. Grants will be awarded based on the merit of the proposal and the perceived ability of the arts practitioner(s) to complete the work as proposed and within the given timeframe.

Do I need a presenting partner?

Yes. You must have a letter of support from a presenting partner(s) based in Akron, Detroit or South Florida where the premiere of the new work will take place.

Can I add attachments to my application?

Yes. Applicants are asked to submit work samples as well as supplemental materials to help describe or illustrate their new work concept and/or artistic practice.

What kind of new works are you looking for?

The works can represent diverse artistic genres including performing arts, visual arts and film and must incorporate the use of technology. We are seeking projects that leverage technology to connect people to one another and to Knight cities through the arts.

How can I gain an edge in my application?

While there is no one magic phrase or secret ingredient to a competitive application, we are seeking works that are centered on impact. Successful proposals will reimagine how the arts are experienced through technology and will leverage technology to better tell stories, reach audiences and preserve art.

Is there a matching requirement for this grant?

Yes, but only for applicants with operating budgets greater than $500,000. This should be shown in the budget under “All non-Knight Funds.”

What are Knight’s funding priorities?

Yes, For a full explanation of Knight’s strategy in the Arts program, please click here.

Who reviews my application and determines the grant recipients?

Knight staff and a national panel of experts from the field will review each application with the help of artists and art and technology leaders. Ultimately, the final decision lies with the Knight board of trustees.

Who reviews my application and determines the grant recipients?

Knight staff and a national panel of experts from the field will review each application with the help of artists and art and technology leaders. Ultimately, the final decision lies with the Knight board of trustees.

Can I apply if my project is just an idea?

Yes. Applications can be submitted for entirely new projects or projects that are currently in development. The works must not have yet premiered, however.

When will grantees be announced?

Grantees will be announced in fall 2024. 

If my proposal is not selected, will I be told why?

Due to the large number of applications we receive, we are unable to share with you the reason your proposal has not been selected. If you are not selected this time, we encourage you to re-apply to future Knight New Work open calls or other Knight Arts initiatives.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Send questions to [email protected].

Can I apply in another language that’s not English?

Yes.

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