2026 independent projects grants

The Independent Projects grant program is a partnership between the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) and The Architectural League of New York, awarding grants for New York State-based individuals and teams to explore a design topic through creation or research.

Jointly administered with the League since 2022, Independent Projects is NYSCA’s artist support program for design fields, including architecture, landscape architecture, historic preservation, biodesign, community-centered design, fashion, graphic, industrial, and interior design. The League will directly receive all applications and, together with NYSCA, will convene a panel of experts in design who will evaluate submissions and select projects for funding.

In the 2026 cycle, Independent Projects will award 25 grants of $10,000 for New York State-based individuals or teams of individuals in design fields whose work seeks to answer the question: Where can design go next?

Program goals

For many years, both NYSCA and the League have supported diverse and creative explorations in design. Recognizing design as an art form that can enhance our quality of life, Independent Projects seeks proposals that emphasize artistry, that advance a design discipline, and that may contribute to a broader understanding of design. Imperatively, design must be at the core of any proposal, and the outcome must be accessible to the public. Projects might create a design prototype, develop new strategies of community-based design, research a topic in design history, or engage in critical or theoretical analysis, to name just some of the many possible approaches.

Key dates

**September 2026
**Applicants are notified of panel decisions and grants are finalized.

**October 1, 2026
**Award period starts and project activity commences.

**September 30, 2027
**Award period ends and project activity concludes.
Project leads prepare brief reports on work carried out during the award period.